
Class 
Book. 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 



SCHOOL HISTORY 



OF 



FLORIDA 



BY 

EDWIN L. GREEN, Ph.D. 
Professor of Greek in Central University, Richmond, Ky. 



BALTIMORE, 1898 : 

WILLIAMS & WILKINS COMPANY, 

PUBLISHERS. 



» 4350 



COPYRIGHT, 1893 
Edwin L. Green 




TWf'.nnpiESRi-cEivEi). 




-dfiti Copy 






TO 

HON. WILLIAM N. SHEATS, 

To whom, for his generous encouragement, this book is gratefully 
dedicated by the author, who himself is a son of Florida. 



PREFACE. 

The Honorable Superintendent of Public Instruc- 
tion of Florida has for some time endeavored to obtain 
a history of the State for use in the public schools. 
Hearing that the author had been devoting study to 
Florida, he suggested that a book be written suited to 
the needs of his schools ; and this work is then due 
first of all to his kind suggestion, but also to the gener- 
ous encouragement given at all times, especially in the 
securing of a publisher. The author has made an at- 
tempt to express in part his appreciation of this kind- 
ness by dedicating his humble book to the Honorable 
Superintendent William N. Sheats. 

This history is, as the title indicates, a school book, 
designed to give to the children of the schools a 
knowledge of the fascinating history of their native 
State, and the author has endeavored to keep their 
requirements in view, especially in employing a plain 
and simple style. Each chapter is divided into sec- 
tions furnished with headings explaining their contents. 
Questions have been placed at the bottom of the page 
to meet a possible want, and the principal dates have 
been set in the margin, in order that the scholar may 
the more easily keep correct the course of events. 
Nearly a hundred illustrations, among them pictures 
of nearly all the governors, add much to the interest 
and value of the book. Maps drawn from the best 
sources illustrate discoveries, settlements, and cam- 
paigns. The narrative, which extends from the earli- 
est period to the present, is based on the highest au- 
thorities, some of whom may be found in the list of 



books inserted for the use of teachers. The History 
of Florida by the Floridian author, Mr. G. R. Fair- 
banks, requires special mention not only because of 
its great excellence^ but because this book owes much 
to it, often following it in preference to other authori- 
ties. Much information concerning West Florida 
has been obtained in the Historical Sketches of Colonial 
Florida, by Mr. R. L. Campbell, of Pensacola. Both 
of these works are unfortunately out of print. 

Dr. Wm. T. Thom, of Baltimore, Md., has most 
kindly read and criticised the manuscript, and Prof. H. 
B. Adams, of the Johns Hopkins University, gener- 
ously examined it in part. Words of encouragement 
have been received from Rev. C. P. Walker, of Madi- 
son, Fla., and from Prof. B. C. Graham, of Tampa, 
Fla. Hon. Wm. N. Sheats, Mr. L. R. Christhilf, of 
Baltimore, Md., Mr. J. C. Green, of Pensacola, Fla., 
Judge Broome, of Orlando, Fla., Dr. R. Braden 
Moore, of Vineland, N. J., and other friends, have 
kindly aided in securing photographs for illustrations. 

Information concerning illustrations of historical 
value, in particular, the pictures of those governors 
not obtained for the present edition, and also all cor- 
rections to the present work will be gladly received 
and acknowledged. 

E. L. GREEN. 
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 
Florida discovered before 1513 — Fountain of Youth — Juan 
Ponce de Leon's discovery of Florida — His attempt to set- 
tle the same — The name "Florida". 

CHAPTER n. 
Panfilo de Narvaez- — Hernando de Soto — Tristan de Luna. 

CHAPTER in. 
Coming of the French to Florida — Charles Fort — Fort Caro- 
line — Arrival of Menendez. 

CHAPTER IV. 
Founding of St. Augustine — Destruction of Fort Caroline — 
Slaughter of Ribaut and his men. 

CHAPTER V. 
Mutiny — Activity of Menendez — His visit to Spain — Notable 
revenge of Dominic de Gourgues — Return cf Menendez — • 
His death — Sir Francis Drake at St. Augustine. 

CHAPTER VI. 
Indians : History — Civilization — Religion. 

CHAPTER VII. 
Spanish Missions — Fort Marion — Pensacola. 

CHAPTER VIII. 
Encroachments of the English — Spanish invasions of South 
■r Carolina — Governor Moore invades Florida — War between 
Pensacola and Mobile. 

CHAPTER IX. 
General Oglethorpe attacks St. Augustine — Invasion of Geor- 
gia by Governor Monteano. 



CHAPTER X. 
Condition of Florida in 1763 — Transfer of Florida to Great 
Britain — East and West Florida. 

CHAPTER XL 
Florida under British rule — Inducements to settlers — Dr. 
Turnbull's colony at New Smyrna — Representative govern- 
ment — Revolutionary War — Panton, Leslie and Co. — Alex- 
ander McGillivray. 

CHAPTER XIL 
British rule in Florida, continued — "Old Rory" — Don Ber- 
nardo de Galvez captures Pensacola — Bahama Islands 
seized — Retransfer of Florida to Spain. 

CHAPTER XIII. 
Second Spanish occupation — Boundary lines — General Wil- 
liam Augustus Bowles — Two new Republics — United States 
soldiers in Florida. 

CHAPTER XIV. 
War of 1812 — Tecumseh's visit to the Creeks and Seminoles 
— Percy and Nicholls — ^Jackson at Pensacola. 

CHAPTER XV. 
Republic of Florida — Seminole War — ^Jackson invades the 
Floridas — Arbuthnot and Ambrister — Second capture of 
Pensacola — Provisional government — Restoration to Spain. 

CHAPTER XVI. 
Purchase of the Floridas — Jackson appointed provisional 
governor — Territorial government. 

CHAPTER XVII. 
Florida as a Territory — Site of the Capital — Growth — Banks 
— Trouble with Indians. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
Seminole War — Dade's massacre — Battle of the Withlacoo- 
chee — General Scott — General Jesup — Capture of Osceola. 

CHAPTER XIX. 
Seminole War, continued — General Taylor — Major-General 
Macomb — Bloodhounds — Capture of "Wild Cat" — The 
"gallant" Worth— Return of "Wild Cat" — End of War. 



CHAPTER XX. 
Territorial governors — Admission of Florida into the Union 
— Railroads — Florida in i860. 

CHAPTER XXI. 
Secession — Seizure of Forts and Arsenals — Fort Pickens — 
Operations of 1861 — Coast held by Northern forces. 

CHAPTER XXII. 
Civil War, continued — St. Johns Bluff — Negro soldiers — Cap- 
tain Dickinson — Olustee — John Milton — Surrender. 

CHAPTER XXIII. 
Florida after the Civil War — Reconstruction — Impeachments 
of Governor Reed — Public schools — Finance — Return of 
the Democrats to power — Election of 1876. 

CHAPTER XXIV. 
Opening of a new era — Development of the public schools — 
Constitution of 1885 — General progress of the State. 



SOME WORKS RELATING TO FLORIDA. 

This list contains only such works as are to be ob- 
tained, and is for the use of teachers who may wish to 
know more about the history of Florida than can be 
learned from a school book. It is very much re- 
gretted that Mr. G. R. Fairbanks' History of Florida 
is no longer in print. Mrs. E. C. Long, of Tallahas- 
see, has prepared a history whose appearance it is 
hoped will not be long delayed. 

Brinton, D. G., The Floridian Peninsula. D. McKay, 23 
South Ninth street, Philadelphia $1.00 

Chambers, H. E., West Florida. The Johns Hopkins Press, 
Baltimore $.25 

Drake, S. A., Florida. Little, Brown & Co., Boston. .. .$ .25 

Fairbanks, G. R., History of St. Augustine. H. Drew & Bro., 
Jacksonville $ -75 

Fiske, J., Discovery of America, 2 vols. Houghton, Mifflin & 
Co., Boston $4.00 

Gatschet, A. S., A Migration-Legend of the Creeks. D. McKay, 
23 South Ninth street, Philadelphia $3.00 

Long, E. C, Florida Breezes. Ashmead Bros., Jackson- 
ville $1.00 

Moore, Willson M., The Seminoles of Florida. American Print- 
ing House, 1019 Cherry street, Philadelphia $ .75 

Parkman, F., Pioneers of France in the New World. Little, 
Brown & Co., Boston $1.12 

Reid, M., Osceola, the Seminole, H. Drew & Bro., Jackson- 
ville $1.50 

Reynolds, C. B., Old St. Augustine. H. Drew & Bro., Jack- 
sonville $1.50 

Schaif, J. T., The Confederate States' Navy. Rogers & Sher- 
wood, New York. $3-50 

Scott, W. A., The Repudiation of State Debts. Crowell & Co., 
46 E. 14th street. New York $1.50 



Shea, J. G., Ancient Florida, in second vol. of J. Winsor's Nar- 
rative and Critical History of America [excellent]. Hough- 
ton, Mifflin & Co., Boston .". .$5-50 

The following papers may be consulted on the Semi- 
noles and the earlier tribes : 

Gushing, F. H., Exploration of Ancient Key Dwellers' Re- 
mains on the Gulf Coast of Florida. 1896. Am. Philosophi- 
cal Society, 104 South Fifth street, Philadelphia. 

Maccauley, C, The Seminoles of Florida. Annual Report of 
Bureau of Ethnology, 1883-84, Washington, D. C. 

Moore, C. B., Certain River Mounds of Duval Comity, Florida, 
etc. Vol. 8, Jour, of Acad, of Nat. Scien. of Phila. The 
Levytype Company, Philadelphia. 




Juan Ponce de Leon. 
From Winsor''s Narr. and Crit. Hist. 



HISTORY OF FLORIDA. 



CHAPTER I. 

FLORIDA DISCOVERED BEFORE 1513— FOUNTAIN 
OF YOUTH— JUAN PONCE DE LEON'S DISCOV- 
ER% OF FLORIDA— HIS ATTEMPT TO SETTLE 
THE SAME— THE NAME "FLORIDA". 

Florida Discovered Before Juan Ponce de 
Leon. According to the common story Juan Ponce 
de Leon was the discoverer of Florida. But an old 
map, drawn ten years before Ponce de Leon sailed on 
his memorable voyage, shows a peninsula exactly 

where the one named Florida was discovered. 
1497 John Cabot explored the eastern coast of 

America in 1497; but it is very certain that he 
did not sail as far south as Florida. He could not 
have carried back information concerning land of 
which he had no knowledge. About this same time 
Amerigo Vespucci was making a secret examination 
of what every one in those days supposed to be the 
southern coast of Asia, and he has left a letter telling 
about his voyage. A comparison of the old map and 

Q. Who discovered Florida according to the common 
story? What does an old map show? Tell about John Ca- 
bot. What other exploration was going on at this same 
time? What did Amerigo ^'■espucci leave behind him? 
What appears from a comparison of his letter and the old 
map ? 



of Amerigo Vespucci's letter makes it appear that 
he who gave his name to America was the first to see 
Florida. It is also possible that the old map-maker 
obtained information. from traders who had visited the 
Floridian peninsula. One thing is certain : that all re- 
membrance of any voyage before that of Juan Ponce 
de Leon passed away completely from the mind of 
man, though it is equally certain that he was not the 
first to see Florida. 

Fountain of Youth. There was a story among 
the Indians of the West Indies that on the island of 




SILVER SPRINGS. 

Bimini, one of the Lucayan (Baliaiiia) islands, there 
existed a fountain, whose magical water healed the 
sick, made the old young again, and bestowed immor- 
tal youth on all who bathed therein. Indians from the 
Bahamas, from Cuba, and even from Yucatan and 
Honduras, were said to have gone in search of this 



fountain. As they had never returned, it was fondly 
believed that they were living in beautiful Bimini in 
the enjoyment of eternal youth. 

That the Indians should have believed in a magical 
fountain is not strange. Beliefs of this kind have ex- 
isted in various parts of the world, caused by real 
springs ; and so it may well be that some one of the 
wonderful springs in Florida may have brought about 
the story of Bimini and its mystical fountain. The old 
Spanish historian, Gomara, explains the origin of the 
tale in a way that might be expected from a knightly 
Spaniard. According to him the story arose because 
in that region dwelt women of such rare beauty that old 
men, gazing upon them, felt themselves restored to the 
vigor of youth. 

As the Spaniards had heard of a Fountain of Youth 
in Asia, and as they imagined at first that America was 
part of Asia, they readily believed that the magical 
waters were not far away. 

Juan Ponce de Leon. One cavalier listened 

eagerly to the stories about Bimini. This was Juan 

Ponce de Leon, who was born in the province 

1460 of Leon, Spain, about the year 1460. Arms 

1 52 1 were his professions from his earliest youth. 

He fought before the walls of Granada, and 

when Columbus sailed on his second voyage in 1493, 

Ponce de Leon was one of his companions. There is 

Q. In what other way might the old map-maker have 
heard of Florida? What thing is certain? What story was 
there among the Indians of the West Indies? Who were 
said to have gone in search of Bimini? Why were they 
supposed to have found it? Why is the belief in the fountain 
not strange? What may have given rise to the story? 

3 



a story that he engaged in a conspiracy against the 
Great Discoverer. In Hayti Ponce de Leon won dis- 
tinction in the wars against the natives ; and hearing 
of gold to be found in Uoriquen {Porto Rico), secured a 
commission to conquer it, which he accompHshed after 
a severe struggle, only to find himself supplanted as 
governor by one of the court favorites. 

It was now while he was in retirement that he first 
heard of the fabulous Fountain of Youth. Here was 
just the thing. What could he not do with all his 
wealth of experience coupled with eternal youth? So 
dazzled was the mind of every one by the discoveries 
made in the twenty years since the first voyage of Co- 
lumbus, that when Ponce de Leon applied at the Span- 
ish court for a patent to discover and settle Bimini, 
the patent was secured, and no one deemed the dis- 
covery impossible. He obtained his patent 

1512 in February, 15 12. He was to settle Bimini 

Feb. within three years after the discovery, and if 
no one had been there before him, he was to 
be governor of Bimini for life, with the title of adclan- 
tado, or governor. At once he began to fit out an ex- 
pedition, but, trouble arising with the Indians in Porto 
Rico, he was detained in that island till the following 
year.''' 

Ponce be Leon Discovers Florida. In March, 
1 5 13. Ponce de Leon set out with three caravels from 

Q. Give Goniara's account of the origin of the story. 

Whj' (lid the Spaniards readily believe in the fountain? Who 

listened eagerly to the story? Tell of Ponce de Leon's life 

till we find him in Hayti. Tell of him in Hayti and Boriquen. 

How could tlie Fountain of Youth aid him? Why was the 

patent to discover and settle Bimini granted him? 

* 1512 the usual date given for the discovery of Florida, has been proven 
wrong. 

4 



St. Germain, in Porto Rico. As Biniini was supposed 
to be one of the Bahama Islands, he at first 
15 13 cruised among these; but the search was not 
Mar. successful, and so after refitting at Guana- 
hani, he steered toward the northwest, 
having heard of land in that direction. On Easter 
Sunday, March 27, a low, fllat country was 
Mar. sighted, along which Ponce coasted until he 
27 reached latitude 30° 8', not far from the site 
of St. Augustine. Here he anchored and 
Apr. 2 landed on the second of April. There was a 
custom among the early discoverers of giving 
a name to their discovery, taken from some peculiarity 
attaching to the day on which the object was first 
sighted. Accordingly. Ponce de Leon gave to this 
new country the name of Florida, from Pascua Florida, 
the Spanish name for Easter Sunday. Some writers 
state that Florida was so named because of 
15 13 its flowery appearance. Six days after he had 
Apr. 8 landed, planting a cross, unfurling a banner 
to the breeze, swearing allegiance to his sov- 
ereign, Ponce de Leon took possession of the country 
in the name of the King of Spain. 

Failure to Discover the Foitntain of Youth. 
Turning the prows of his vessels to the south, the dis- 
coverer explored the southern coasts of Florida, find- 
ing and naming the Martyrs and the Tortugas. Sail- 

Q. How soon was Ponce to settle Bimini? What oftice 
was he to receive? Why did he not set out at once for 
Bimini? From what place did he start? Where did he first 
explore? Why did he steer to the northwest? When did he 
first sight land? Where did he go ashore? What custom did 
the early discoverers have? Why was the new country 
named Florida? 

S 



ing around the extremity of the peninsula, Ponce ran 
up the western shore to a bay in latitude 27° 30', 
which for a long period bore his name. Worn out 
and disappointed in his search for the Fountain of 
Youth, he finally sailed himself for Porto Rico, leaving 

his lieutenant, Ortubia, 
to continue the explora- 
tion. Ponce de Leon 
had scarcely reached 
Porto Rico, when Ortu- 
bia arrived and reported 
that he had been suc- 
cessful in his search for 
Bimini, but that the is- 
land contained no foun- 
tain of magic waters. 

Ponce de Leon's At- 
tempt TO Settle Flor- 
ida. Ponce proceeded 
to the court of Spain, 
where his voyage fur- 
nished the wits much 
merriment, now that it 
had proved a failure. 
However, he secured a 
second patent to settle 
Florida within three 
years from the time he 
should set sail. As was 
the case with the first 
Q. Describe the ceremony of taking possession. Tell of 
Ponce's explorations on the southern coasts. How far up 
the western shore did he sail? Give an account of Ortubia. 
How was Ponce's voyage now treated at court? What patent 
did Ponce secure? How was he delayed? 




3^**- 



PONCE DE LEON S FIRST VOYAGE. 



vo^'ag■e, so now he was delayed by a war with the In- 
dians of the West Indies, for the Caribs had taken arms 
against the Spaniards, and Ponce de Leon was called 
on to command against them.^ Meeting with a signal 
disaster at the outset, he turned over the command to 
one of his captains, and retired to Porto Rico, where 
he became a surly alcalde. 

He had now settled down to quiet service of his 

king, when his ambition and his avarice were stirred 

by the exploits of Cortes in Mexico, which threatened 

to eclipse the fame of the earlier discoverers. 

1 521 Accordingly, in February, 1521, he wrote to 
Charles V that he was going shortly to the 
"Island Florida" for the purpose of settling it, and to 
see if it was really an island or was connected "with the 
land where Diego Velasquez is (Mexico) or any other." 
Ponce spent his entire fortune on the outfit of his expe- 
dition. When he set sail, he carried with him in two 
ships, colonists, clergymen for these, priests for the In- 
dians, horses, cattle, sheep, and swine. It is not known 
where the expedition landed, though very likely on the 
western coast. As the colonists were attempting to 
erect dwellings, the natives attacked them with great 
fury ; and Ponce de Leon was himself wounded in the 
thigh by an arrow, while bravely fighting at the head 
of his men. The colonists were driven to their ships, 
and all idea of settling Florida was given up. Sick in 
heart as well as in body. Ponce de Leon sailed for 

Q. How did he succeed against the Caribs? What aroused 
him from his retirement? What did he write to Charles V? 
Tell of his expedition. Where did he land? What attack 
was made on the colonists? How was Ponce wounded? 
Where did he die? Give the observation of the old chron- 
icler. 

7 



Cuba, where in a few days death released him from his 
pain. "Thus," says an old chronicler, "fate delights 
to reverse the schemes of men. The discovery that 
Juan Ponce flattered himself was to lead to a means of 
perpetuating his life, had the ultimate effect of hasten- 
ing his death." 

Voyages Along the Gui.f Coast. Before Ponce 

de Leon made his second voyage, Diego Miruelo 

sailed up the western coast of Florida in 15 16 

15 16 on a trading expedition. He discovered a 
liay which long bore his name, and which was 

jM'obably Pensacola Bay. A year later Fernandez de 
Cordova landed on the western shore, but the 

15 1 7 hostility of the natives compelled him to de- 
part. In 15H) Francis de Garay, governor 

15 19 of Jamaica, despatched an expedition under 
the conmiand of Pineda, who sailed along the 

entire Gulf coast of Florida, passed the Mississippi 
River, and coasted to Panuco in Mexico. This voyage 
showed that Florida was not an island, but a part of 
the mainland. If Ponce de Leon had heard of Pine- 
da's voyage before he sailed himself in 1521, he seems 
to have doubted what was told him, as in his letter, 
dated Feb. 10, 1521, he speaks of the "Island Florida". 
Spaniards on the Atlantic Coast. In 1520 
Lucas Vasquez de Ayllon, a rich officer of San Do- 
mingo, sent out two ships which landed 

1520 about where Charleston. S. C, now stands, 
in the province of Chicora, for the purpose of 

Q. Tell about the voyage of Diego Miruelo. Tell of Fer- 
nandez de Cordova. Tell of Pineda's voyage. What wa.s 
shown by this? Did Ponce de Leon believe Florida a part 
of the mainland? Why did de Ayllon's ships land in Chi- 
cora? What race was heard of? 



catching Indians to be used as slaves. It is a pity that 
his men did not meet with the race of giants of which 
they were told. The story goes that these giants were 
made so artificially by a process known only to certain 
learned and wise doctors. The nurse of the infant, it 
is said, was fed on very nutritious food. Besides this 
the child's bones were softened by the application of 
plasters of magic herbs, and, after some days, were 
stretched, a process which was repeated from time to 
time till the child was enabled to grow taller than his 
fellows. There was also another tale told to de Ayl- 
lon's men about a race of people who had tails like 
horses' tails, which they whisked about right merrily. 
But none of these men were seen. 

Six years later this same de Ayllon attempted to 

plant a Spanish colony on the very spot where the 

English afterwards built Jamestown. Winter 

1526 came on before the colonists were prepared 
to meet it ; many perished from the cold, the 
Indians became hostile, de Ayllon himself died of a 
pestilential disease, and, finally, the colonists began 
to quarrel among themselves. The settlement was in 
consequence broken up. 

In 1524 the Spanish government sent out Stephen 

Gomez, who examined the eastern coast of America 

from Labrador to Florida, showing that the 

1524 coast-line of the latter extended indefinitely 

to the northeast. But northern countries 

were not considered of much value in those days. "To 

the south, to the south," cries the historian, "for the 

Q. Tell how giants were made in Chicora. Of what 
other race did de Ayllon's men hear? Give an account of 
his attempt to settle at Jamestown. What was shown by 
Gomez's voyage in 1524? What does the historian cry? 

9 



great and exceeding riches of the Equinoctiall : they 
that seek riches must not go into the cold and frozen 
North." There was a behef at that time that gold 
could be found only in hot countries. 

Florida Not the Same as Now. According to 
Spanish writers the name Florida belonged to all 
North America north of Mexico. When the French 
began to lay claim to Canada and call it new France, 
they were trespassing on territory claimed by Spain 
as a part of Florida. But to her protests the king of 
France gave no heed. Moreover, he declared that the 
kings of Spain and of Portugal were undertaking to 
monopolize the earth. If, he said. Adam had made 
them his heirs, it was nothing but just for them to pro- 
duce a copy of his will ; and until they should do so, 
he would feel at perfect liberty to take whatever he 
could lay his hands on. 

In 1607 the English colony of Virginia limited Flor- 
ida to the country south of the 34th parallel 
1607 of latitude, south of a line running through 
Cape Fear. With characteristic English 
readiness in appropriating territory the Carolina char- 
ter of 1663 fixed the parallel of 30° 45' as the 
1663 southern boundary of that colony. Two 
years later the line was carried south to 29°, 
1665 about fifty miles below St. Augustine, which 
would have left to the Spaniards only the end 
of the peninsula. But, in reality, the Savannah River 

Q. Where only was it thought that gold could be found? 
What did Spain claim under the name Florida? Tell about 
the French king's reply to the protest of the king of Spain. 
Give an account of the English encroachments. 



remained the southern hniit of the Enghsh colonies till 
the settlement of Georgia in 1732, when the 
17^2 Georgia colonists gradually fixed the boun- 
dary between Georgia and Florida as it now 
is. 
1721 In the meantime the French laid claim to 

the Mississippi Valley under the name of 
Louisiana. A peaceful arrangement, made before 1721, 
fixed the Perdido River as the dividing line between 
Florida and the French possession. 

When the English came into possession of Florida 
in 1763, they divided Florida into East and 
1 763 West Florida, adding to the latter about half 
of Alabama and Mississippi. This division 
was retained by Spain when she recovered Florida 
twenty years later, though West Florida was gradu- 
ally reduced to its present size. 
1 82 1 After Spain surrendered the two Floridas 
to the United States in 1821, Congress united 
them into one Territory. 



Q. What did the French claim as Louisiana? What be- 
came of the dividing line between Florida and Louisiana? 
Tell about the division into East and West Florida. What 
change did the United States make? 

II 







i(.**-"ii'' ills;' '*-''*'*"' c-J'^ 












CHAPTER II. 

PANFILO DE NARVAEZ— HERNANDO DE SOTO— 
TRISTAN DE LUNA. 

Cortes' Success Stimulates the Desire for 
Conquest: Panfilo de Narvaez. The success of 
Cortes in Mexico filled the minds of the Spaniards 
with visions of rich empires waiting for daring adven- 
turers to come and take possession. This ignis fatuus 
led many brave men to the wilds of the northern coun- 
try, from which the Spaniards had hitherto turned 
away to seek for the gold of the South ; for only in the 
warm countries did they believe that precious metal 
could be found. The first to fit out an expedition to 
con(|uer himself a kingdom in the North was Panfilo 
de Narvaez, who had been sent ovtt in 1520 to 

1520 pursue Cortes, but had failed ; for one stormy 
night Cortes suddenly fell on his sleeping 
camp, took Narvaez himself prisoner, and won over 
his entire army. In the melee Narvaez lost an eye. 
After his release he tried to obtain redress at the Span- 
ish court, but here again Cortes defeated him, this time 
through Mexican gold. And so Narvaez was com- 
])elle(l to seek some new land rich in gold and ready 
for the Spanish conqueror, as he too fondly dreamed. 

Q. What effect did the success of Cortes have? Why had 
the Spaniards not tried to explore the northern country? 
Who was the first to undertake to explore in this region? 
Tell of his experience with Cortes in 1520. What success 
did he have at court? 

I."; 



Accordingly, Charles V gave him a patent to conquer 
and colonize the country on the Gulf of Mexico from 




EXPEDITION OF NARVAEZ. 



the River of Palms to Florida, with 
the title of adelantado, never once 
thinking of the rights of the natives, 
whom, in accordance with the custom 
of those times, Narvaez was to sum- , 
mon to become Christians and sub- 
jects of the king of Spain, and, if they 
refused, to enslave them. 

Narvaez Reaches Apalache. Narvaez started 

on his voyage June 17, 1527, but the desertion of part 

of his men at San Domingo and the loss of 

1527 two vessels in a hurricane delayed him for 
June 17 nearly a year, and it was not until April, 1528, 

that he finally set out for Florida, carrying 

1528 four hundred men and eighty horses. His 
April pilot was Diego Miruelo, probably the same 

Miruelo who had visited Florida in 15 16. A 
storm drove Narvaez's vessels into a bay somewhere 
north of Tampa, perhaps Clearwater Bay. Here the 
Spaniards landed and took possession of the country, 
thinking all the while that they were not far from Mex- 
Q. What country was Narvaez to conquer and colonize? 
How were the natives to be treated? Give an account of 
Narvaez's expedition, the time of its starting, and its size. 
Who was Diego Miruelo? 

14 



ico, a mistake that in the end cost the hves of all but 
four out of the entire three hundred who marched into 
the interior in quest of a fancied empire. About one 
hundred men were left on board the vessels with in- 
structions to sail along the coast and wait at a certain 

bay known to the pilot. This the remainder 
April 19 of the expedition was expected to reach after 

exploring- the inland country. On the 19th 
of April Narvaez struck out in a northeasterly direc- 
tion, but on meeting Indians wearing ornaments of 
gold he changed his course a few points to the north, 
since to all his questions about the place from which 
the precious metal was obtained the natives had an- 
swered by pointing to the north and repeating "Aba- 
lachie, Abalachie". To the Spaniards' excited fancy 
"Abalachie"' was another Mexico, and so all efforts 
were made to reach that country. Provisions were 
scarce ; the maize in the Indian fields was not yet ripe ; 
many of the trees which thickly covered the sandy soil 
were fallen, and the guides selected a road as nuich 
obstructed as possible ; several rivers had to be 
crossed ; but "Abalachie" was to be the end of toil and 

hardship. Narvaez plodded on till, on the 
June 25 25th of June, "Abalachie" was reached, and 

his eyes looked not on a magnificent capital 
of a wealthy kingdom, but on an Indian hamlet of forty 
wretched cabins. This native village seems to have 
been on Miccosukee Lake, not far from the northern 
border of Florida. But the Indian guides had misled 
the Spaniards, for gold was really obtained in "Aba- 
lachie", which was the name of a district that extended 

Q. Tell about the landing of the expedition. What mis- 
take was made? How was the expedition divided? Give 
tlie direction of the line of march inland. 

15 



to North Georgia, wht^e the remains of ancient gold 
mines are still to be seen. 

AuTE. The Spaniards remained at "Abalachie" 
about a month, constantly harassed by the natives, 
almost on the verge of starvation, until hunger com- 
pelled them to seek for Ante, distant a nine days' jour- 
ney, which was represented as abounding in corn, 
squashes, and gourds, with a plentiful supply of fish 

in the sea nearby. 
From "Abalachie" to 
Ante, the whole way 
was beset by Indian 
warriors of immense 
size, whose arrows 
could pene- 
1528 trate a small- 
sized tree, as 
it appeared to the 
frightened Spaniards. 
WhenAute was reach- 
ed, it was found a 
smoking heap of ashes 
deserted by its inhabi- 
tants. One day more 
brought them to the 
shores of a bay {Apa- 
lacJiicolaf), which re- 
ceived from Narvaez 




INDIAN WARRIOR. 



Q. How did the natives answer Narvaez's questions about 
the country where gold was obtained? What did he think of 
"Abalachie"? Give an account of the difficulties of the jour- 
ney. What was the town of "Abalachie"? Where was it 
situated? Where was gold really to be found? Tell of the 
stay at "Abalachie". Give an account of Ante. How was 
the journey to Ante beset? 

16 



the name of Bahia de Cavallos {Bay of Horses) ; but 
even here the Indians did not allow them to catch fish 
and oysters in peace ; and, to add to their sufferings, 
sickness broke out in August. 

The Spaniards Build Boats in Order to Es- 
cape. It is to be remembered that the ships were to 
wait for Narvaez at a bay of which the pilot knew. The 
])ay was not found as expected, and so the vessels re- 
turned at once to the harbor at which the expedition 
had landed, too late, however, to catch Narvaez ; nor 
was he ever seen, although they cruised along the 
coast for nearly a year. The Spaniards at Bahia de 
Cavallos were in despair ; their ships were not in sight ; 
their food supply was limited ; and sickness had re- 
duced the majority to mere skeletons : nothing re- 
mained but to build boats and to try to reach Mexico. 
In six weeks five boats, each twenty-two cubits long, 
were ready for the water, a truly marvellous achieve- 
ment, considering that there was but a single carpen- 
ter, though aided by every one able to work. Nails 
and bolts were made at a rude forge out of guns, 
swords, stirrups, and bridle-bits ; ropes were woven 
from the tails and manes of the horses and from pal- 
metto fibre ; sails were clothes sewn together ; water 
was carried in bottles made from the skins of the 
hors€s, whose flesh furnished provisions. 

Voyage, Shipwreck, Survivors. On the 22d of 
September these five frail boats, utterly unfit to go to 

Q. In what condition was Ante found? What bay was 
reached? How did the Spaniards fare here? Give an ac- 
count of Narvaez's ships. What were the Spaniards at Ba- 
hia de Cavallos compelled to do? Tell of the boats. How 
were nails and ropes obtained? What were sails made of? 
How was water carried? 

3 17 



sea, set out along the northern shore of the Gulf of 
Mexico, each loaded to the water's edge with 
1528 forty-eight men. Narvaez led the way in 
Sept. 22 the first boat, putting into the mouths of riv- 
ers and creeks from time to time, running be- 
tween Santa Rosa Island and the mainland, and finally 
reaching the mouth of a large river {Mississippi f) 
which ran violently into the sea, and where two of the 
boats, one of them Narvaez's own, were swamped in 
the current and all on board lost. The remaining three 
boats were wrecked, one after the other, on the coast 
of Louisiana or Texas. Their crews fell victims to the 
cruelty of the Indians or to disease and starvation, till 
only four were left alive to escape to their countrymen 
in Mexico after years of wandering among the hunter 
tribes of southwestern United States. One of these 
survivors was the treasurer of the expedition, Cabeza 
de Vaca, who has left us a narrative of the wanderings 
of himself and his three companions. 

Hernando de Soto. When Cabeza de Vaca re- 
turned to Spain, he talked in such a mysterious way 

about rich provinces 
through which he had 
passed, that men de- 
sired more than ever to 
explore the interior of 
the continent. The 
next man to try his 
fortune in the northern 
country after Narvaez 
was Hernando de Soto, 
who was eager to rival 
HERNANDO DE SOTO. From ivinsor. Cortes and Pizarro, and 
whose imagination was in consequence stimulated by 

18 




the tales of de Vaca. Hernando de Soto came out to 
the New World at an early age. When Pizarro re- 
ceived reinforcements after his landing in Peru, their 
leader was Hernando de Soto, who played an honor- 
able and gallant part in the overthrow of the empire of 
the Incas. On his return to Spain Soto carried as his 
share of the booty the magnificent sum of one hun- 
dred and eighty thousantl ducats, part of which was 
borrowed by the emperor, who the more easily for that 
reason gave him a patent to conquer and settle the ter- 
ritory formerly granted to Narvaez, and in addition to 
this the province discovered by de Ayllon. His repu- 
tation and his previous good fortune attracted large 
numbers to his standard. Consequently 

1538 when he sailed from Spain in 1538 he carried 
with him six hundred as high-born and well- 
trained men as ever went out to try their fortune in 
the New World. Soto's wife accompanied him to 
Cuba, where she spent the winter with him and re- 
mained to await his return after his departure for 
Florida in the spring of 1539. 

On the i8th of May. 1539, the expedition, consisting 

of five ships, two caravels, and two pinnaces, sailed 

from Havana, and in six days made a bay on 

1539 the western coast which de Soto named Es- 
May 18 piritu Santo, because he had discovered it on 

the 25th of May, the day of the Feast of Pen- 
tecost. [This bay was usually known in early narra- 

Q. Describe the voyage and shipwreck of the expedition. 
What became of the crews of the boats lost on the coast of 
Louisiana or Texas? How many survived to reach Mexico? 
What has Cabeza de Vaca left behind him? How did he talk 
in Spain about the provinces he had seen? Who was the 
second to try his fortune in the northern country? 

19 



tives by the name of Espiritu Santo, but is noW called 

Tampa from one of the ancient Indian vil- 
May 25 lages in that region. The name Tampa first 

appears on a map in Herrera's History pub- 
lished in 1 60 1.] De Soto was not without some 

knowledge of the coast of Florida before he 
1539 left Cuba, for he had prudently despatched 

Juan de Afiasco to seek a suitable harbor for 
the ships, so as not to run the risk of losing them on 
an unknown shore. Aiiasco learned in the course of 
his explorations that there was a Spaniard living 
among the Indians somewhere on the western coast, 
who had been captured at the time of Narvaez's expe- 
dition. 

Juan Ortiz. When Panfilo de Narvaez landed in 
Florida in 1528, he at once sent one of his vessels back 
to Cuba to inform his wife of his safe arrival ; and she 
despatched this same vessel with supplies for her hus- 
band, but it arrived too late to catch him before he 
marched into the interior. On the shore the sailors 
saw a letter sticking in a split reed, and, thinking it 
had been left there by Narvaez, made signs to the na- 
tives on the beach to bring it out to them; but these 
refused to do so, urging by signs that the sailors 
should themselves come after it. Two young fellows, 
one of them named Juan Ortiz, a youth of eighteen, 
rowed ashore. They had scarcely set foot on dry land 
when the Indians rushed on them, made them prison- 
ers, and carried them to their chief Hirrihigua. Hir- 

Q. What had de Soto done in Peru? What share of the 
booty fell to his lot? What territory did his patent assign 
him? Why did men flock to his standard? How many went 
with him? Tell about his wife. Give an account of Soto's 
expedition. Give an account of the name of Tampa Bay. 

20 



riliigua had been most cruelly treated by Narvaez, and 
was burning to avenge his injuries. Ortiz's compan- 
ion was tortured to death, and he was himself stretched 
over a bed of hot coals on a stage made of green sticks 
of wood. The heat from the coals had begun to roast 
the flesh on his back, when the lovely young daughter 
of the chief threw herself at her father's feet and be- 
sought him with tears to spare the innocent youth. 
Her tears prevailed ; Ortiz was unbound, and carried 
to the lodge of her father, where the young maiden 
and her mother applied healing herbs to his wounds, 
and tenderly nursed him until he was well again. But 
to Hirrihigua the sight of the white man was hateful. 
So he set Ortiz to watch over the Indian graveyard 
to keep wild beasts from carrying off the dead bodies 
from the wooden cofifins in which they were laid and 
covered with a board held down by a stone ; and the 
chief threatened that death should be the penalty if he 
failed to keep the bodies safe. One night Ortiz fell 
asleep and was suddenly aroused by the crash of a 
falling board, but in the darkness he could see nothing, 
so he lay still listening. Presently, he heard a sound 
as of some animal gnawing a bone, and in the direc- 
tion of the sound he hurled a dart which caused the 
noise to cease ; but he did not during the night exam- 
ine to find if he had killed any beast. The morning 
light revealed a lion pierced through with the dart. Or- 
tiz dragged the animal to the village, where his exploit 
brought kind treatment for several days. But Hirri- 

Q. What prudent thing did Soto do? Whom did Anasco 
hear of? Tell about the vessel Narvaez sent back to his wife. 
Relate the story of the letter. To whom were the young 
Spaniards carried? How were they treated? How was Ortiz 
rescued? 

21 



higua could not be satisfied : Ortiz must die. Tlie 
daughter, however, knew of her father's determina- 
tion and begged the youth to fly to a neighboring ca- 
cique named Mucoso, to whom she was betrothed, and 
who would protect him for her sake. Mucoso re- 
ceived Ortiz as the maiden had said, and protected 
him against all the demands of her father, although 
Hirrihigua in consequence of that protection refused 
to give his daughter to Mucoso as his bride. 

De Soto Finds Ortiz. When Hernando de Soto 
arrived in Florida in 1539, Juan Ortiz had now been 

among the Indians for over ten years, and 
1539 had a knowledge of their language which 

would render him valuable as an interpreter. 
For this reason, Soto was delighted to hear that Ortiz 
was at no great distance from Espiritu Santo Bay ; for 
the two natives whom Aiiasco had carried to Cuba to 
become interpreters proved utterly useless. Having 
learned from some native women the direction in which 
to go to find Ortiz, Soto despatched a lieutenant and a 
company of horsemen to fetch him. The horsemen had 
not proceeded very far on their way before they met 
Ortiz, who had heard of the white men and was en- 
deavoring to reach their camp. He came very near 
never getting there, for not only had he forgotten his 
native tongue but he looked so much like an Indian 
that one of the horsemen tried to run him through 
with a spear, and would have done so if Ortiz had not 

Q. How were Ortiz's wounds cured? What did Hirrihi- 
gua next do with Ortiz? How were the corpses of the dead 
Indians treated? Relate the story of the wild beast which 
Ortiz killed. What effect did his exploit have? How was 
he rescued from the cruelty of the chief? How well did 
Mucoso protect the young Spaniard? 

22 



cried out "Xibilla", for Sevilla, the name of his native 
city and the only word of Spanish he remembered. He 
remained with Soto during his long wandering and 
died a few months before him in the country west of 
the Mississippi River. As an interpreter he was not 
all that was expected, as he knew only the language 
of the tribe among whom he had dwelt. Consequently, 
it was necessary for Soto to take an Indian from each 
tribe, so that he might converse with one from the last 
tribe through which the expedition had passed, and 
so on through a line of 
Indians until Ortiz j 
was reached. Of C 
course, what was said ^ 
at one end of the line 
was very different 
from what arrived at the other end. 

Soto Marches Through Florida. 
On the 15th of July, Soto, having sent 
his largest ships back to Cuba, com- 
menced a northward march 

1539 among the swamps and lakes 

July of Florida, fighting his way 
15 step by step against the war- 
like natives, who were very route of de soto. 
different from the races he had met be- 
fore in Central America and Peru. Besides the nature 




Q. How long was Ortiz among the Indians? Why was 
Soto delighted to hear he was not far away? Tell about the 
horsemen sent to find him. Why did he come near being 
killed? How long did he stay with Soto? Why was he not 
a good interpreter? What was necessary? How did the 
words at one end of the line compare with those at the 
other? 

23 



of the country and the fierceness of its inliabitants, 
another obstacle in the way of the conquistador (con- 
queror) was the lack of provisions, which had to be ob- 
tained from the Indian fields. And these were very 
scattered, furnishing, moreover, very little food, since 
corn was not yet ripe ; so that the Spaniards were com- 
pelled to eat the young shoots of corn, palmetto roots, 
and water cresses. At the end of the second day's 
journey Soto reached the village of Mucoso, the 
cacique who had so generously protected Juan 
Ortiz. Twenty-five leagues more brought him to the 
Withlacoochee River, and beyond this lay the province 
of Ocali, where was found a plentiful supply of vege- 
tables, nuts, dried grapes, and other fruits. Leaving 
Ocali, the Spaniards entered the country ruled by V.i- 
tachuco, the most powerful of all the Indian chiefs in 
Florida. His subjects fought the invaders continu- 
ally, and on one occasion engaged them in a grand 
battle, in which, it is said, two hundred Indians who 
had been forced into a lake, fought for a full day and 
night without putting foot on bottom. Seven days 
later the nine hundred prisoners taken in this battle 
suddenly rose on their white captors and made a des- 
perate struggle to escape, one of them coming very 
near throttling Soto himself. A large river 
1539 {Suwannee) was next crossed with much 
difficulty, and the town of Anhayea, in the 

Q. What did Soto do before commencing his march? 
Mention difficulties in his way. How did the Indians of 
Florida compare with those of Central America and Peru? 
Give an account of the food of the Spaniards. Describe the 
march as far as Ocali. Tell about Vitachuco and the battle 
his subjects fought. What did the prisoners do seven days 
later? 

24 



neigliborhood of Tallahassee, was reached during the 
month of October. Here the expedition spent the 
winter, parties in the meantime exploring the country 
in every direction. 

During the course of the winter Aiiasco went with a 
company of horsemen to Ante, where he saw in a 
grove near the coast the bones of the horses which had 
belonged to Narvaez's unfortunate men. He after- 
wards rode to Espiritu Santo Bay in ten days, al- 
though Soto had been three months marching from 
there to Anhayea ; and he brought back to the bay near 
Aute the vessels which had been left at Espiritu Santo 
Bay when the expedition marched into the interior. 
These vessels were useful in exploring the coast west- 
ward from Ante ; and the commandant Maldonado re- 
ported on his return that he had found a beautiful har- 
bor (Pcnsocola Bay), which he called Achusee. 

In March of the next year Soto left his winter quar- 
ters, and, having made an appointment with Mal- 
donado to meet him in the fall at Achusee, 

1540 marched towards the northeast, since he had 
jMarch heard of a rich realm in that direction, 
abounding in gold and pearls. His line of 
march carried him through Middle and North Geor- 
gia, then, by a sudden turn to the southwest, to Mau- 
bila, about one hundred and fifty miles north of Pensa- 
cola, where he heatd from the Indians of Maldonado's 
arrival at Achusee. From Maubila he marched north- 

Q. Where did Soto spend the winter? What did Aiiasco 
find at Aute? Give an account of his mission to Espiritu 
Bay. What bay did Maldonado find? What appointment 
was he to keep with Soto? Did he keep it? Relate the ac- 
count given of Soto's wanderings. Where was Soto buried? 

25 



westerly to the country beyond the Mississippi, whose 
waters were the final resting place of the worn-out 
conquistador. His band sailed down the Mississippi, 
and, after much suffering-, reached their friends in 
Mexico, reduced to about one-fourth their original 
number. 

Soto's Cruel Treatment of the Indians. 
Though as a rule the early Spanish explorers had no 
regard for the life or welfare of the natives, yet the ex- 
cessive cruelty sliown by Hernando de Soto in Florida 
would scarcely have been expected from one who had 
behaved so gallantly and honorably in the campaign 
in Peru. He made it a practice to seize the cacique 
of the province through which he w^as passing and to 
compel him to attend the expedition until the territory 
of the next chief was reached, when he was let go. 
But it was a rare thing for Soto to let loose the ca- 
cique's subjects who were forced to carry the baggage 
of the Spaniards and to do other menial service, loaded 
with heavy chains and iron collars. Large numbers 
died from neglect and harsh treatment, for it was nmch 
easier to get new carriers than to care for those who 
were sick. Soto's line of march was one long line of 
blood and devastation ; and so it was that when Tristan 
de Luna in after years reached the province of Coga 
(Coosa County, Ala.) which had lain across Soto's 
track, he found the fields uncultivated and the inhabi- 
tants scattered from their homes. 

Q. What became of Soto's followers? How did the early- 
Spanish explorers treat the Indians? Give an account of 
Soto's method of treating thein. Why were the sick not 
cared for? How was Soto's line of march marked? What 
did Tristan de Luna find at Coga? Tell about the shipwreck 
in 1545. 

26 



Need of a Settlement in Florida. In 1545 a 
treasure-ship went ashore on the coast of Florida, 
and the majority of the two hundred persons who 
escaped to land were put to death by the In- 
dians, while the remainder became slaves of 
the savages. Eight years later the Spanish plate- 
fleet, carrying gold, silver, and other precious 
1553 commodities, was wrecked on the northern 
shore of the Gulf of Mexico. It is said that 
out of the one thousand persons on board the 
wrecked vessels only 
three hundred reached 
the land, and that of 
these only one man suc- 
ceeded in getting to 
Mexico. These disas- 
ters showed that it was 
necessary to have posts 
on the dangerous coast 
of Florida to protect 
life and property. 

Dominicans in 
Florida. In Central 
America the Domini- 
can Fathers 
1549 had been very 
successful in 
christianizing a district 
known as the "Land of 
War", into which no 

SOLDIER OF SIXTEENTH CENTURY. 

Q. Give an account of the shipwreck on the northern 
shore of the Gulf in 1553. Tell about the "Land of War". 
What did the Dominicans attempt to do in 1549? 

27 




Spaniard dared enter. So in 1549 four of these 
fathers sailed from Havana to see if they 
1549 could not effect a peaceful conquest of 
Florida. Their vessel put into Espiritu Santo 
Bay, where two of the missionaries went ashore, and, 
finding the natives friendly, went with them to their 
huts ; but they were never seen again, for their sup- 
posed friends murdered them, as was learned from 
Juan Munoz, one of Soto's men who had been taken 
captive by the Indians and made a slave, and who es- 
caped to the missionaries by swimming out to their 
vessel. The head of the expedition, Fray Luis Can- 
cer de Bastro, did not allow himself to be discouraged, 
and insisted on going ashore. As he reached the 
beach, those on board saw him first kneel and then 
rising walk towards the throng of savages, one of 
whom took off his cap, while a second felled him to the 
ground with his club. Thus the first missionary jour- 
ney to Florida came to a sad end, as the remaining 
father, deterred by the fate of Cancer, sailed away to 
Cuba as fast as the wind could carry him. 

Don Tristan de Luna y Arellano. Although 
every effort to colonize Florida had so far failed, there 
still remained the necessity of having military posts on 
its coasts- Besides, the natives ought not to 
1556 remain heathen, but become Christians. Ac- 
cordingly, in 1556, the Council of the Indies 
advised Philip II to entrust the conquest and settle- 
ment of Florida to Don Luis de Velasco, the wise and 

Q. What happened to two of them? Who was Juan 
Munoz? Relate the story of Father Cancer's death? What 
did the other do? Why was it necessary to colonize Florida? 
What advice did the Council of the Indies give Philip II? 

28 



prudent viceroy of Mexico, styled in history the Father 
of the Indians, because of his unwavering 

1558 protection of their rights. Two years later Ve- 
lasco despatched vessels to search out a suit- 
able harbor for his expedition, which was to form a 
peaceable settlement and cultivate the friendship of the 
Indians. The commandant of these vessels reported in 
favor of Pensacola Bay, after an investigation of sev- 
eral months. Com- 
mand of the expedition 

was given to 

1559 Don Tristan de 
Luna y Arel- 
lano, who set sail from 

Vera Cruz, 
June Mexico, in 

June, 1 559, car- 
rying fifteen hundred 
soldiers and settlers, 
several priests and friars 
eager to convert the In- 
dians, and provisions for 
a year ; and by the first 
day of July came to an- 
chor in a bay a short tristan de luna, 1559-60. 
distance east of Pensacola Bay, as one account has it, 
or, according to another account, which is here fol- 
lowed, in Pensacola Bay itself. Vessels were de- 
spatched to announce the arrival, one to Mexico, 

Q. Tell about the preparatory expedition. Describe Tris- 
tan de Luna's outfit. Where did he land? What was first 
done? Give an account of the gale. What did de Luna 
then do? 




29 



another to Spain. Exploring parties were sent out in 
every direction to ascertain the character of the coun- 
try. The stores had been partly brought ashore from 
the ships when, on the 20th of September, a gale de- 
stroyed nearly the whole fleet, and drove one caravel 
with its cargo on land and up into a grove. In 
consequence of the loss of his provisions Tris- 
tan de Luna despatched a company of 
horsemen to seek the province of Coga (Coosa 

Comity, Ala), where some of his men had 
1559 been with Hernando de Soto. After a march 

of forty days they came to Nanipacna. a town 
on the banks of a river which they could not cross, 
having travelled the whole way through a barren coun- 
try. In the meantime the relief supplies received by 
de Luna from Mexico had been exhausted, and he had 
decided to remove to Nanipacna with all his colonists 
except a few who were to remain as a guard at Pensa- 
cola Bay, as it had been reported to him that in Nani- 
pacna were supplies of corn, beans, and other vegeta- 
bles. Accordingly, about one thousand men, women 
and children marched into the interior and took pos- 
session of the Indian village. In a short time they 
consumed the supply of food provided by the Indians, 
and were forced to eat acorns, which were boiled to re- 
lieve them of their bitterness, and the tender leaves 
and twigs of trees. When they were very near star- 
vation, Tristan de Luna sent out the sergeant-major 
to make a further search for Coca. The sergeant- 
major and his party sufifered greatly from hunger, 

Q. What town was readied? What had de Luna de- 
cided? Why? How many people went to Nanipacna? Tell 
about the food of these colonists. What expedition was sent 
out? 



seeming unable to capture the game in which the coun- 
try abounded, until they reached a district where 
chestnuts and hickory nuts grew, and after a march of 
fifty days arrived at a town on the Olibahaki {Alabama 
River). Here provisions were plentiful, but their wel- 
come soon wore out, and the Indians adopted a neat 
scheme to get rid of them. An Indian was dressed up 
to represent an ambassador from Co^a, whose ruler, 
lie informed the Spaniards, was anxious to entertain 
them ; and he led them on the way thither a 
1560 distance of one day's journey, when in the 
darkness of the night he suddenly disap- 
peared. Although they thus lost their guide, the Span- 
iards pushed forward, and did in the end reach Coga ; 
but much to their disappointment, they found the fields 
badly cultivated and the inhabitants scattered, a con- 
dition of affairs due, as said before, to Hernando de 
Soto. The sergeant-major was welcomed by the In- 
dians of Coga, and as a return for their kindness aided 
them in a war against their neighbors. In order to make 
a report to the general at Nanipacna, he despatched 
twelve men, who rode rapidly to that village. But 
these did not find him, for he had concluded that the 
sergeant-major and his company had been destroyed 
by the natives, and had moved his colony back to Pen- 
sacola Bay, not, however, without leaving a letter bur- 
ied in a vase at the foot of a tree, upon which was 
carved "Dig below'' . 

Q. Give an account of the sergeant-major's experience 
on the road. Give an account of the scheme by which the 
Indians got rid of the Spaniards. How was Co(;a found to 
be cultivated? Why? Tell of the sergeant-major's stay. 
What had become of Tristan de Luna in the meantime? Tell 
about the letter. 

31 



Failure of Tristan de Luna's Colony. Having 
discovered the letter the twelve men pushed on to Pen- 
sacola Bay, where they found a deplorable state of 
afifairs. A large part of the settlers were in revolt, 
headed by Juan de Ceron, master of the camp, and 
were insisting on leaving the country as soon as possi- 
ble. Two friars sailed to Havana, and thence to Mexico 
to report to Velasco the plight of the colonists and to 
beg for additional supplies. The news was so inipleas- 
ant that the viceroy refused at first to believe them, 
although he did despatch a vessel with provisions to 
Pensacola Bay. 

The arrival of the twelve messengers made matters 
worse by their report on the province of 
1560 Coga. A secret message was sent by the 
mutineers to the sergeant-major that the 
colonists were about to leave ; and so he and his com- 
pany came to Pensacola Bay. Still the dis- 
Nov. sension was not healed, though the priests 
exerted their powers to the utmost. Finally, 
just as Father Domingo had succeeded during Holy 
Week in bringing Juan de Ceron and Tristan de Luna 
together for a peaceable settlement of the difficulty, 
Angel de Villafane arrived on his way to Santa Elena, 
and offered an opportunity to leave the country to all 
who wished to do so. A council was held, and the 
vote was almost unanimous for abandoning the colony. 

Q. What state of affairs did the messengers find at Pen- 
sacola? What was Juan de Ceron doing? Give an account 
of the two friars. Wliat effect did the arrival of the mes- 
sengers have? What messenger was sent by the mutineers? 
How did the priests conduct themselves? What success did 
Father Domingo have? Give an account of Angel de Villa- 
faiie. How did the vote of the council stand? 

32 



Tristan de Luna, seeing himself forsaken, set sail for 
Cuba with five or six servants. After this all the colo- 
nists, except fifty or sixty soldiers under Captain 
Biedma, who were to remain six months longer, em- 
barked onVillafaiie's ships and came to Havana, where 
part left him, the remainder accompanying him to 
Santa Elena. Nothing was accomplished here, and 
soon Villafane sailed to San Domingo. Florida was 
abandoned. 

On the 23rd of September, 1561, Philip II, king of 

, Spain, - declared that no further attempts 

1 56 1 would be made to settle any part of Florida, 

Sept. since there was no danger of a French settle- 

2^ ment in that region ; and in this opinion he 

was supported by his most experienced 

officers. 



Q. What did de Luna do? To what place did the colon- 
ists go with Villafane? What declaration did Philip II make? 

4 33 



CHAPTER III. 

COMING OF THE FRENCH TO FLORIDA- 
CHARLES FORT— FORT CAROLINE— ARRIVAL 
OF MENENDEZ. 

French Begin to Colonize Florida. It is curi- 
ous to note that within a few months after PhiHp II 
had declared there was no danger of the French mak- 
ing a settlement in Florida, a colony of Frenchmen was 
established at what is now Port Royal in South Caro- 
lina, then a part of Florida. At this period the Hugue- 
nots and Catholics of France were engaged in civil war 
with each other. The head of the former was the famous 
Admiral Coligny, who conceived the magnificent idea 
of founding a -Protestant empire where the Huguenots 
might take refuge, if they should be driven from their 
native country. The first attempt on the shores of 
Brazil proved a failure, the second on the coast of 
Florida succeeded no better, as the story of Charles 
Fort will show. 

Charles Fort. In February, 1562, Jean Ribaut 
sailed from France with two vessels and reached 
the coast of Florida near the site of St. Augus- 
tine. Not landing, he ran northward along the coast 
^ to the mouth of a river (St. Johns), which he 

„ , named May, because he found it on the first 
r eb 

day of May.* Here he erected a stone pillar 

*The native name of the St. Johns River was Walaka, the river of many 
lakes. Riviere de Mai {River of May) was the name given it by the French ; 
the Spaniards called it Rio Mateo (River Matthew), or Rio Picolato {River 
Picolato), and at a later time Rio San Juan {River St. John), which the Eng- 
lish changed to St. Johns, and St. Whan (=Juan, hoo-an). 

34 



engraved with the arms of France, as a sign that Flor- 
ida was claimed as a possession of the French king. 
From the St. Johns Ribaut sailed about ninety 
leagues to the north, to the harbor of Port Royal, 
S. C, where he persuaded a number of his men 
to remain as the beginning of a settlement which 
should grow into an empire. A small fort was built 
and named Charles Fort, in honor of the king of 
France, Charles IX. Leaving Captain Albert and 
twenty-five soldiers at Charles Fort, Jean Ribaut de- 
parted for France, expecting to return in a short time ; 
but on his arrival in that country he found the civil 
war raging, which prevented him from returning to 
Charles Fort, and its very existence was almost for- 
gotten. 

At Charles Fort everything went gaily, until provis- 
ions began to grow scarce, and no sail appeared bring- 
ing promised relief. Mutiny then broke out ; Captain 
Albert was murdered ; and, despairing of aid from 
France, the survivors of the original twenty-five built 
a boat in which they expected to cross the Atlantic, 
the craziest craft, perhaps, that ever sailed that ocean. 
It had been built by men ignorant of the art of carpen- 
try, had been caulked with moss, and was propelled 
by sails made of shirts. Their provisions gave out in 
mid-ocean, and one man had already been killed and 
eaten, when the remainder were rescued by an English 
vessel and carried to London. 

Q. What curious coincidence is mentioned? What was 
the condition of affairs in France at this time? Tell about 
Admiral Coligny's scheme. What success had his first col- 
ony met with? What expedition sailed from France in 1562? 
Give an account of Jean Ribaut at the mouth of the St. 
Johns River. 

35 



Fort Caroline. Quiet was restored in France in 

1563, and during the next year Admiral Coligny 

turned his attention again to the estabHsh- 

1564 nient of a Huguenot colony in Florida. The 

commandant of this new expedition was 

Rene de Laudonniere, a small, wiry Frenchman, a 




FORT CAROLINE. De Bry , IS9I. 



Q. Give the different names of the St. Johns River {^see 
Note). Where did Ribaiit e.xpect to form a settlement? Give 
the name of the fort buiU by him. How many men did he 
leave at Charles Fort? Why did he not return? What was 
the state of affairs at Charles Fort? Tell about the mutiny 
and the boat built by the Frenchmen. What can you say of 
the voyage? 

36 



companion of Ribaut on his voyage in 1562, and a 

brave and pions knight. Laudonniere sailed 
Apr. 22 from Havre on the 22nd of April, 1564, with 

tliree ships of sixty, one hundred, and one 
hundred and twenty tons burden, respectively, which 
carried a larger and better equipped company than had 
gone to Charles Fort. But he made a grave mistake 
in taking too many soldiers and gentlemen and too 
few mechanics and farmers, in consequence of which 
the naturally rich soil of Florida was left uncultivated 

and the colony came near perishing from 
June 22 starvation. A run of just two months 

brought the ships to the mouth of the harbor 
of St. Augustine, which the Frenchmen named the 
River of Dolphins. Here Laudonniere went ashore 
and was most hospitably received by the natives, who 

wished him to spend the night with them ; 
June 23 but he deemed it more prudent to return to 

his ship. On the next day, he proceeded to 
the St. Johns River, or River May, where he saw the 
pillar set up by Jean Ribaut. Some time was spent 
in exploring various localities to select a site suitable 
for the erection of a fort, and the position finally 
chosen seems to have been at St. Johns Blufif, on the 
southern side of the St. Johns River, a few miles from 
its mouth ; but the exact location will never be known, 
as the fort was constructed out of sand and logs. 
Among the colonists was a painter, who has left us a 

Q. When did Coligny turn his attention again to Florida? 
Give some account of Laudonniere. Describe his ships and 
colonists. What mistake did he make? Where did he first 
land? How was he received by the Indians? What did he 
see at the mouth of the St. Johns? Tell about the site of the 
fort. How is it represented in an old picture? 

Z7 



picture of the fort, a triangular structure ; but he repre- 
sents it as being on an island in the midst of 
a river. This fort, like Charles Fort, was 
named in honor of Charles IX, being called Fort 
Caroline. 

Ill Management of the Colony. All the early 
colonists who came to America were more eager to 
seek for gold and silver than to cultivate the soil ; and 
the Frenchmen at Fort Caroline were no exception to 
the rule, especially as they had seen pieces of gold 
among the natives. At first they were able to make 
the very profitable exchange of a hatchet for two' 
pounds of gold ; but their greed getting the better of 
them, they began to take the metal from the Indians, 
who in a short time refused to let it be known that they 
had any gold. Much time was consumed in exploring 
the country in the hope of finding wealth, and in con- 
sequence no crop was planted, so that by the spring of 
1565 starvation stared the Frenchmen in the face.. 
Although the St. Johns River "boiled and roared" 
with all kinds of fish, the young gentlemen and the sol- 
diers would not condescend to catch them for them- 
selves. And it is said that the Indians would take fish 
before the very eyes of the white man and then sell 
them to him at a high" price. Moreover, when the 
fish-traps, which the natives had kindly made for the 
Frenchmen, were taken away during a war, they were 
too lazy to make others. 

Mutiny. A conspiracy against Laudonniere was 
started in September, 1564, but part of the conspira- 

Q. What was the name of the new fort? What were the 
early colonists eager for? What made the Frenchmen espe- 
cially eager to hunt for gold? 

38 



tors were sent back to France. Subsequently he 
„ fell sick, and during his sickness he was 

bound and confined for fifteen days on board 
one of the vessels. The mutineers then seized two 
small boats built for the purpose of exploration, and 
ran away to the West Indies on a freebooting expedi- 
tion. One of the boats was compelled to re- 
1564 turn, whereupon four of the leaders were 
tried by court-martial and hung. The other 
boat met with better success at first ; but its crew was 
captured by the Spaniards at Jamaica, and some of 
them were hanged, others sent to Spain. 

The French and the Indians. The Spaniards 
were in the early times very harsh in their treatment 
of the Indians, although later they became gentler. 
The Frenchmen, on the contrary, made friends with 
the natives from the outset, and when they left Florida 
"no fierce imprecation or profane expletive lingered in 
the recollection of the red men as a synonym for a 
French Protestant." Baskets of maize and grapes 
were brought as presents to Fort Caroline ; and an In- 
dian queen, whose home seems to have been on the St. 
Mary's River, sent back Laudonniere's boats loaded 
with beans and acorns and cassava. The artist men- 
tioned before drew a picture of this queen in a state 
procession. In front appear two trumpeters marching 
before her majesty, who sits on a covered platform 
carried by six chiefs, while two walk by her side hold- 
ing large feather fans ; next after the queen come beau- 

Q. Give an account of their dealings with the Indians. 
In what condition were they by the' spring of 1565? Why? 
Tell about their catching of fish. Give an account of the con- 
spiracy and mutiny. 

39 



tifiil girls with baskets of fruits and tlovvers, and then 
the warriors and guards. At first the colonists had 
been neutral in the wars of the natives, taking the part 
of neither side ; but at last they were compelled to 
serve some of the chiefs in order by this means to pro- 
cure a supply of provisions. During the summer of 1565 
hunger pressed them so hard that, as it had become 

difficult to obtain food by purchase from the 
1565 Indians, they marched forth from their fort 

and took by force part of the crops in the 
nearest fields. But in spite of this, the red man re- 
gretted the departure of the Frenchmen. 

Arrival of Sir John Hawkins at Fort Caro- 
line. It was confidently expected that supplies would 

arrive from France by April, 1565 ; but April 
April came and passed and still no vessel appeared. 

In their despair the colonists had resolved to 
repair their vessels and to leave the country, when, at 

the height of their distress, ships were seen 
Aug. in the ofifing. They proved to be the ships of 

Sir John Hawkins, Queen Elizabeth's 
doughty sea-king, who was returning from a cruise 
after Spanish treasure-ships, and was quite ready to 
aid Spain's enemies at Fort Caroline. He had been 
searching along the coast for fresh water, and had 
been brought to the colony by one of the Frenchmen 
who had run away and was now on board one of the 

Q. Relate tlie fate of the two boats. Contrast the Span- 
ish and the French treatment of the Indians. What presents 
were brought to Fort CaroHne? What picture has been left 
behind by the artist? What was the French attitude towards 
the wars of the natives? What were the French finally 
forced to do? 

4a 



English ships. Laudonniere says that he received of 
the general, meaning Sir John Hawkins, as many 
courtesies as it was possible to receive of any man liv- 
ing. He sold the French commander twenty barrels 
of meal, six pipes of beans, one hogshead of salt, and a 
hundred of wax to make candles, taking a promissory 
note as payment ; and gave him various articles for his 
private use. But more than this, he ofifered to carry 
a portion of Laudonniere's men across the Atlantic 
and set them on French soil. This offer, however, 
was not accepted, for Laudonniere did not know if 
the PVench and English might not be at war with each 
other, and this be a ruse to take his men prisoners. 
But he did buy a small brigantine. paying for it with 
the artillery at the fort, which otherwise would have 
been left behind, as he could not carry it on his ships. 

Early Opinions of Florida. The Frenchman 
had an eye for the beauties of the landscape, and his 
poetic nature was kindled by the rivers and lakes and 
forests teeming with animal life ; but the English sailor 
wondered how it was that in a rich country like that 
around Fort Caroline any one could suffer from hun- 
ger. Grapes grew wild ; roots of various kinds were 
to be found ; maize throve readily and required very 
little cultivation, and meat could be easily obtained 
from deer and "divers other beasts and fowl service- 
able to the use of man." Besides, there was a wonder- 

Q. How did the natives feel towards the French after 
tlicir departure? By what time were supplies expected? Re- 
late the arrival of Sir John Hawkins. How did he treat the 
French? What did he let them have? Give an account of 
his offer and Laudonniere's refusal. Why did Laudonniere 
pay for the brigantine with his artillery? 

41 



fill weed employed by the Ploridiaiis in their journeys, 
"who with a cane, and earthen cup in the end with fire 
and the dried herbs put together, doe suck throw a 
cane the smoke thereof, which smoke satisfieth their 
hunger, and therewith they live four or five days with- 
out meate or drinke ; and this all the Frenchmen used 
for this purpose," although it made them sick, as to- 
bacco still does beginners. However, it has lost the 
wonderful property of keeping "us from hunger three 
or four days at a time." Lions and tigers were sup- 
posed to inhabit the forests, and whales were caught in 
the ocean by natives, who would swim out to the sleep- 
ing monster, climb on his head, and drive into one of 
his blow-holes one of the two pieces of wood the 
swimmer had brought along. This would wake the 
whale, which would dive under the water, carrying the 
Indian holding fast to the piece of wood in the blow- 
hole; but the whale would soon have to come to the 
surface for fresh air, when the fisherman at once thrust 

his second piece into the other blow-hole. By 
1565 this means both nostrils of the fish were 

closed, causing it to suffocate. After it had 
ceased its death-struggles, the natives came out in 
their boats and towed the carcass ashore. Wonderful 
tales did the Frenchmen and Englishmen hear ; but 
the former viewed them with a poetic fancy, while the 
latter thought of the trade his country could build up 
in this distant country. 

Q. How did the Frenchman view Florida? What did the 
Englishman think? Give the things that could easily be ob- 
tained for food. Tell the tale about tobacco. What savage 
beasts were supposed to dwell in the forests? Give the story 
the Englishman heard about whales. 

42 



Arrival of Ribaut and Menendez. Sir John 
Hawkins had scarcely left Fort Caroline when Jean 
Ribaut arrived, August 29, the very day Lau- 
Aug. 29 donniere expected to sail for France. Admi- 
ral CoHgny had never forgotten his colony, 
although hindered by the civil war from sending aid 




FRENCH CARAVEL OF i6TH CENTURY. 



earlier, and had now despatched Captain Ribaut with 
five hundred men and several families of artisans in 
seven vessels, four of which must have been of large 



Q. What was the English view of Florida? When did 
Ribaut arrive? Why had not aid been sent before? 

43 



size, as they were unable to pass the bar at the mouth 
of the St. Johns River. The voyage from Dieppe, 
France, was a very long one, it being three months 
from the time Ribaut sailed till he reached the Florida 
coast somewhere below St. Augustine. Here he 
learned from a shipwrecked Spaniard living among 
the Indians that Laudonniere's colony was situated 
fifty leagues northward, and, accordingly, coasting in 
that direction, he arrived at Fort Caroline, as related. 
The four larger vessels were unable to enter the St. 
Johns River, and were left outside with only a few sail- 
ors on board as a guard. 

By some means the Spanish court had found out 

that a French colony had been planted on the coast of 

I'^lorida, in a country claimed by them through the 

rights of discovery and given them by the 

1565 Pope. And to make matters worse, the colo- 
nists were Huguenots, who were detestable 
above all other peoples in the eyes of Catholic Spain. 
At this juncture Philip H found a man after his own 
heart, Pedro Menendez de Aviles, "an admirable sol- 
dier and matchless liar, brave as a mastifif and savage 
as a wolf." Fie had lost a son by shipwreck some- 
where on the coast of Florida and was anxious to seek 
for him, as he believed him to be living and captive 
among the Indians. To the king he represented the 
glory of Christianizing the Indians and the need of 
better knowledge of the shores, harbors, and currents, 

Q. Describe Ribaut's expedition. Where did he reach 
the coast of Florida? What did he learn here? From whom? 
How were four vessels left? What did the Spanish court find 
out? What caused the Spaniards to be especially angry? 
Give the character of Menendez. Why was he anxious to go 
to Florida? What reasons did he give the king for going? 

44 



which had destroyed so many richly-laden ships of 
Spain. Although Florida had proved the ruin of 
every expedition that had come to her shores, yet more 
men answered Me- 
nendez's call for colo- 
nists than the ships 
could carry. The king 
gave him the title of 
adclantado and mar- 
quis, the office of gov- 
ernor and captain- 
general of Florida, the 
use of one caravel, and 
a personal grant of 
land twenty - five 
leagues square. Me- 
nendez had himself to 
bear the expense of 
transporting the colo- 
nists, of provisioning 
them and also several 
hundred soldiers, of pedru menendez ue amles. 

maintaining sixteen members of religious orders, and 
of providing horses, cattle, sheep, and swine for the 
two or three permanent settlements he was to found. 
He was also to carry five hundred slaves, but it is 
doul)tful whether they were actually taken. Prepara- 
tions were being hurried forward for a large expedi- 
tion, when Philip suddenly summoned Menendez to 




Q. How many answered Menendez's call? What did the 

king give him? What did he have to furnish? Tell about the 

slaves to l)e carried? Why was he suddenly summoned to 
court? 



45 



court. News had just reached him about the colony 
at Fort CaroHne, and of Ribaut's prepara- 
1565 tions for enlarging it. Now began a race, as 
it were, to see who should reach Florida first, 
June 29 Ribaut or Menendez. The former had been 
on his way some two months before Menen- 
dez set sail from Cadiz, June 29, with fifteen hundred 
persons, including mechanics and farmers, in nineteen 
vessels all told, about two thirds of the force he had in- 
tended to carry. 

After leaving the Canary Islands, the fleet was scat- 
tered in every direction by a storm, but several vessels 
arrived at Porto Rico by the 9th of August. 
Aug. 9 Here Menendez made a few repairs, and then 
hastened on his journey without waiting for 
the remainder of his force, for it was necessary to sur- 
prise Fort Caroline before the reinforcements under 
Ribaut should reach it and put it in a condi- 
Aug. 25 tion to resist an attack. On the 25th of Au- 
gust he made the coast of Florida about Cape 
Aug. 28 Caiiaveral, where he learned the part of the 
country occupied by the French. Coasting 
northward, on the 28th he discovered a harbor, to 
which he gave the name of St. Augustine, after the 
saint who is honored on that day ; and still running 
north, on the 4th of September sighted the four vessels 
of Ribaut lying at anchor before the mouth of the St. 
Johns River. 

Q. What race now began? When did Menendez sail? 
Give his outfit. What happened on the voyage? Why did 
lie hasten from Porto Rico? Give an account of his arrival 
at Florida. Why was St. Augustine so named? 

46 



The fight was to be one without quarter. Menendez 
had set out in an ugly spirit ; he was in his own eyes a 
crusader; and of all conflicts, the deadliest are those 
waged in the name of religion, as the Protestants of 
France knew to their cost. 



Q. Why was the fight between the Frenchmen and Span- 
iards to be merciless? 

47 



CHAPTER IV. 

FOUNDING OF ST. AUGUSTINE— DESTRUCTION 
OF FORT CAROLINE— SLAUGHTER OF RIBAUT 
AND HIS MEN. 

Skirmish at the Mouth of the St. Johns. A 

council of war was now held on board the Spanish 

ships, and Menendez's ofificers were in favor 

1565 of putting back to San Domingo and waiting 
Sept. 4 for reinforcements ; but he himself urged a 
speedy attack, which was finally resolved on. 
Immediate action was prevented by a thunderstorm, 
and it was not until ten at night thatMenendez was able 
to run his own ship between the two larger French 
vessels and demand who they were and why they were 
on this coast. When he foimd out who they were, 
he told them that he intended to board their ships in 
the morning and hang the French Lutherans found 
there. "Because," he says, "I could not avoid exe- 
cuting on them the justice which his majesty com- 
manded." The Frenchmen replied that he might go 
without waiting for the morning. As Menendez was 
manoeuvring for a favorable position, Ribaut's vessels 
slipped their cables and stood out to sea, hotly pursued 
by the Spaniards, who fired five cannon at the French 
flagship without doing it any injury. By their superior 
sailing qualities the French soon escaped beyond 

Q. Give the opinions of Menendez and his officers as to 
attacking the French. What did Menendez do with his ves- 
sel? Relate what he told the Frenchmen. Give their reply. 



cannon-shot. Seeing that he could not overtake them, 
Menendez returned with the intention of fortifying a 
position at the month of the St. Johns, by means of 




ST. AUGUSTINE BEFORE 167I. 



FROM MONTANUS. 



which he could command the entrance to the river and 

blockade Fort Caroline. But as he neared 

1565 the coast, the remaining French vessels were 

seen coming out. and deeming it more pru- 

Q. Give an account of the fight of Ribaut's ships. What 
did Menendez intend to fortify? 
5 49 



dent to retire, he bore away for the harbor of St. Au- 
gustine, a French vessel hovering on his rear to report 
his further movements. 

Founding of St. Augustine. On the 6th of Sep- 
tember two hundred and fifty Spanish soldiers under 
two captains were landed, and began at once 
Sept. 6 to throw up intrenchments around the dwell- 
ing of an Indian cacique who had given it as 
a present to the strangers. Three hundred more sol- 
diers and settlers, men, women and children, were 
disembarked on the 7th. The next day was a reli- 
gious holiday, and Mass was said for the first time on 
the spot where the shrine of* Our Lady of the Milk 
afterwards arose. Having landed the provisions and 
munitions of war, Menendez prepared to go ashore 
himself, and, amid the thunder of cannon and strains 
of martial music, was rowed from the side of his ves- 
sel to the beach, where on bended knee he kissed the 
cross presented him by Mendoza Grajales, the first 
priest of St. Augustine. After this he took possession 
of the country for his king, and received an oath of 
loyalty from his officers and men, surrounded by a 
crowd of spectators, colonists and friendly Indians. 
His own galleon, being too large to enter the harbor, 
was despatched to San Domingo ; two smaller vessels 
hurried down to Havana after horses for a cavalry 
company ; at the harbor everything was working to 

Q. How was he hindered? Where did he sail? Give an 
account of the operations at St. Augustine, September 6 and 
7. What was done on the 8th? Tell about Menendez's land- 
ing. Give his further actions at this time. Why was his own 
galleon sent to San Domingo? Why did two vessels go to 
Havana? 

50 



make the position as strong as possible against an at- 
tack from the fort to the north. St. Augustine had 
begun, the oldest city in the United States. 

RiGAiiT Sets Out to Attack Menendez. On 
two occasions while the colony was being landed at 

St. Augustine, French vessels sailed up to the 
1565 mouth of the harbor, without doing, however, 

any injury at all. But on the loth.the whole 
Sept. 10 fleet bore down ; for Ribaut had embarked 

all his force, leaving only a few sick soldiers 
and Laudonniere with the women and children at Fort 
Caroline. He was eagej- to take the Spaniards by sur- 
prise before their fortifications were completed. But 
a grievous delay of two days ruined his plans and 
brought destruction on his settlement. If he had 
sailed on the 8th he would have escaped the hurricane, 
which on the loth caught his vessels and drove them 
far down the coast, where each and every one went 
ashore. 

Menendez Marches Against Fort Caroline. 
The storm raged so long and fiercely that it was mor- 
ally certain that the French ships had not been able to 
regain Fort Caroline. So Menendez determined to 
retaliate by marching overland and falling on the 
enemy's fort while its garrison was weakened and not 
expecting an attack during the tempest. His officers 

Q. Why did the Spaniards hurry? What is the age of St. 
Augustine? What did the French ships do while the Span- 
iards were landing? How much of his entire force did Ribaut 
carry with him? What proved his ruin? What became of 
his vessels? Why did Menendez wish to make his attack 
during the storm? How was it regarded at St. Augustine? 

51 



and the clergymen at St. Augustine pronounced the 
undertaking rash, but Menendez was obsti- 
Sept. 1/ nate, and on the i/th began his march in the 
midst of a pouring rain. Across marshes 
and swollen creeks, through tall grass and tangled 
underbrush, for three times twenty-four hours, he 
fought his way, hatchet in hand, until on the morning 
of the 20th his wolfish band swept down the slope be- 
fore Fort Caroline. The march had been a difftcult 
one, and of the five hundred who had started 

1565 with Menendez, many had fallen behind and 
made their way back to St. Augustine. 

"Not as to Frenchmen, but as to Lutherans." 
Laudonniere had made some attempts to put the fort 
in some state of defense; but he was himself very ill, 
and he had only sixteen well men in the place, so that 
little was done. Moreover, the night of the 19th was 
very stormy, and the sentinels were under cover, as 
no one expected an attack. At dawn of the next morn- 
ing the maddened Spaniards rushed to the assault ; 
killed the first sentinel who met them ; planted their 
ladders against the walls; seized one of the gates 
thrown open through mistake by some one within 
wishing to know the cause of the alarm outside ; and 
Fort Caroline was taken. Man, woman, and child 
were massacred without distinction of age or condi- 
tion, until Menendez gave orders that the aged, the 
feeble, the cripple, and those under fifteen years of age, 

Q. Describe the march. How many soldiers did Menen- 
dez have? In what state of defense was Fort Caroline? 
What kind of a night was that of the 19th? Describe the cap- 
ture. Give an account of the massacre. What does Menen- 
dez say in his letter to the king? 

52 



should be spared. In his letter to the king he states 
that one hundred and thirty-two persons were put to 
death, and excuses himself for having spared the 
others. There is a story that some of the prisoners 
were taken outside the fort to a body of trees and 
there hung, with this inscription over thent: "Not as 
to Firnchincu, but as to Lutherans.'' Much booty fell 
into the hands of the Spaniards : three vessels with all 
on board, the fort and its guns, supplies of flour and 
bread, horses, sheep, and hogs. 

Escape of Laudonniere and Fifty Others. 
The French commander tried to rally his men, fighting 
bravely himself, until he saw that the fort was 
taken and himself recognized, when he es- 
caped through a breach in the walls of the fort to the 
woods, where he fell in with several of his men. Two 
vessels lay at the mouth of the St. Johns on the look- 
out for an attack by sea, and he and a number of his 
companions made their way to these through the mud 
and the streams along the bank of the river. Among 
those who escaped in this way was Ribaut's son. 
Others hid themselves in the forests, living among the 
Indians, until one by one they were picked up by pass- 
ing vessels, and thus reached their native country. 

San Mateo. As the day after the capture was 
sacred to St. Matthew {San Mateo), Menendez changed 
the name of the fort from Caroline to San Mateo in 

Q. Tell about the inscription over those who were hung. 
What booty was obtained by the Spaniards? How did Lau- 
donniere conduct himself? Give an account of Laudon- 
niere's escape. Who was among those who escaped to the 
ships? How did others escape? To what did Menendez 
change the names of Fort Caroline and the River May? 
Why? 

53 



honor of that apostle, whose name was also bestowed 
on the St. Johns River in the place of May. Menen- 
dez ordered a church to be built at once out of the 
material collected by Laudonniere for building vessels. 
Three hundred men were left as a garrison, and the 
rest were to return to St. Augustine ; but only thirty- 
five were willing to undergo the hardships of the 
march. At the Spanish colony there was great re- 
joicing on Menendez's arrival, and a Tc Dcum was 
sung in celebration of the victory. San Mateo took 
fire a few days after its capture, and much of its con- 
tents were destroyed ; but in a short time Menendez 

restored it stronger than 
ever, and erected fortifica- 
tions near the mouth of the 
''''^^y{Sik^i,c^^x\\Qr for further security. 

R I B A u T s Shipwreck ; 
First Massacre of the 
French. As related before, 
a storm drove Ri- 
1565 baut's ships far 
down the coast, 
where they all went ashore 
on the soft sand somewhere 
between Mosquito and Ma- 
tanzas Inlets. Every one, 
officers and men, succeeded 
in escaping to land from the 
stranded vessels, with the ex- 
ception of a certain Captain 

Q. What did he order built? What was done with his 
men? How was the news received at St. Augustine? Give 
a further account of San Mateo. What had become of Ri- 
baut's vessels? 

54 




OPERATIONS OF FRENCH 
AND SPANISH. 



La Grange, who had opposed the expedition and had 
consented to go only at the last moment. They now 

formed themselves into two bodies, and be- 
Sept. 28 gan to work their way along the coast in the 

direction of their fort. By the 28th of Sep- 
tember the first company of over two hundred men ar- 
rived at Matanzas Inlet, where they halted, since they 
had no means of crossing. Soon on the other side 
Menendez was seen with a small band of seventy sol- 
diers, who were, however, so skilfully disposed as to 
appear like a numerous army. Menendez had received 
intelligence through friendly Indians of the Frenchmen 
on the day of their arrival at Matanzas Inlet, and had 
at once hurried oflf in time to have his men arranged 
as related by the morning of the 29th. One of the ship- 
wTecked men, a sailor, swam over to the Spaniards, 
to carry back a boat in which four or five ofificers 
crossed. They requested of Menendez that he should 
give them a means of passing the inlet, in order that 
they might reach their friends at Fort Caroline ; but 
on learning of the destruction of the fort, they asked 
for vessels to convey them to France, as their coun- 
tries were friendly and at peace with each other. Me- 
nendez replied by asking if they were Catholics or 
Lutherans. When told that they were Lutherans, he 
declared that if they had been Catholics he would have 
favored them, but, as they were Lutherans, he would 

Q. Give the loss by the shipwreck. What did the French- 
men now do? Where did the first company halt? How did 
Menendez arrange his men? How did he learn that the 
French were at Matanzas Inlet? Who came over to him? 
Give the requests of the officers. How did Menendez reply? 
What did he further say? 

55 



wage war on them with fire and sword. However, he 

said they could surrender and yield to his 

1565 mercy, "in order that he might do to them 

what shoidd be directed him by the grace of 

God." Some of the Frenchmen were wealthy and of 

noble birth. These offered as a ransom for their lives 

the sum of fifty thousand ducats, but the Spaniard 

was obdurate ; and finally his terms were accepted, for 

with starvation and death at the hands of savages 

staring them in the face it was deemed preferable to 

trust to his mercy. 

Boats were now sent over and the Frenchmen 
brought across in companies of ten, each company 
guarded by twenty Spaniards. As a band arrived it 
was disarmed and marched behind a low hill, where 
the hands of every man were tied behind his back, 
until the whole two hundred and eight were thus se- 
cured. Eight only were let loose, who claimed that 
they were Catholics. By this time the day was well 
spent, and as the sun went down two hundred French 
Lutherans, who had allowed themselves to be bound, 
expecting to be carried to St. Augustine as prisoners, 
were murdered in cold blood. Not a man of them re- 
mained to tell the tale. 

RiBAUT Reaches Matanzas Inlet : Second Mas- 
sacre. Menendez had scarcely reached St. Augustine 
when he was informed that another and large company 

Q. How did some of the Frenchmen endeavor to escape 
death? Why were the Spaniards' terms accepted? Describe 
the bringing over of the French. Why were eight released? 
Tell what is said about the murder. What further informa- 
tion was given Menendez? What did he find at Matanzas 
Inlet? What was done? What was told the officer? 

56 



of men was at Matanzas Inlet. Hurrying back with 
one hundred and fifty soldiers, he found Ribaut and 
three hundred and tifty of his followers drawn up in 
battle array on the opposite side of the inlet, and en- 
deavoring to construct a raft on which they might 
cross. Again as in the first instance, a sailor swam 
over and carried back a canoe in which an officer was 
brought across, who was informed of the fate of Fort 
^_ Caroline and shown the stark bodies of his 
^ murdered comrades. After this Ribaut him- 
self came over ; was feasted most sumptuously ; but 
could obtain no better terms than surrender to the 
mercy of the Spaniard, although he offered for himself 
and part of his men a ransom of one hundred and fifty 
thousand ducats, the rest preferring to treat for them- 
selves. When these hard terms became known to the 
soldiers across the inlet, two hundred of them declared 
they would rather face death in a thousand ways than 
trust to the mercy of a monster like Menendez. Dur- 
ing the night they contrived to slip away into the 
forest. 

The next morning Ribaut and one hundred and 
fifty of his men were ferried over in companies of ten, 
their arms were taken away from them and their hands 
tied behind their backs, as on the former occasion. 
When this work was completed, all but five of the 
whole one hundred and fifty were coolly murdered, as 
if pigs were being slaughtered. One man's wounds 

Q. How was Ribaut treated? What ransom did he offer? 
Give an account of two hundred of the soldiers. Narrate the 
story of the remaining one hundred and fifty. Tell about the 
escape of one man. What is Ribaut said to have done? 
What is the meaning of Matanzas? 

57 



were not fatal, and he crawled off to the woods during 
the night, was kindly treated by the Indians, and in 
the end reached France, where he wrote an account 
of the massacre, which is now in existence. As Ri- 
baut was bound he sang one of the psalms, and, this 
ended, said in a calm voice : "We are of earth, and to 
the earth we must return ; twenty years more or less is 
all but as a tale that is told." 

Thus on these two occasions perished many brave 
men, most cruelly murdered; and well does the inlet 
bear the name Matanzas — Slaughterings. 

The Fate of the Two Hundred. The two hun- 
dred who refused to surrender with Ribaut retreated 
down the coast to a point near Cape Canaveral, where 
they built a fort and began to construct ves- 

1565 sels to escape to their own country. About 
the twentieth day after the second massacre 
information of their proceedings was brought to St. 
Augustine, and after some delay Menendez set out 
along the shore with one hundred and fifty men. to 
attack the French, one hundred more following in 
three vessels. On his arrival at the French 
Nov. 8 fort, about November 8, the inmates fled to 
the woods, but on his assurance that their 
lives would be spared, one hundred and fifty came in 
and surrendered. On this occasion Menendez kept 
his word. A part of these were incorporated into the 
Spanish colony, and others eventually returned to 
France ; but of the fate of those who remained in the 
forest nothing is known. Menendez destroyed the 
fort and vessels and sailed to Havana, leaving one of 
his captains to build Fort Santa Lucia de Canaveral 
in a more favorable spot. 

58 



Menendez Receives Praise from Philip II and 
THE Pope. Menendez's master, Philip II, was much 
pleased at the destruction of the Huguenot col- 
ony and commended him for his zeal and piety. 
It used to be said in the days of Philip that 
if a really first-class job of murder turned up in 
any country whatsoever, his hand was sure to be in it. 
At Rome the Pope was so gratified that he wrote a 
letter thanking Menendez, in which, after expressing 
his joy, he gives some very good advice concerning the 
treatment and conversion of the Indians. 



Q. What became of the two hundred who refused to sur- 
render? Give an account of Menendez's expedition against 
them. What did they do on his arrival? How did Menendez 
treat those who surrendered? What became of them and of 
those who remained in the forest? What did Menendez then 
do? How was Menendez's act received by Philip? by the 
Pope? What used to be said of Philip? 

59 



CHAPTER V. 

MUTINY— ACTIVITY OF MENENDEZ— HIS VISIT 
TO SPAIN-NOTABLE REVENGE OF DOMINIC 
DE GOURGUES— RETURN OF MENENDEZ— HIS 
DEATH— SIR FRANCIS DRAKE AT ST. AUGUS- 
TINE. 

Mutiny. As stated before, Menendez sailed from 
Cape Canaveral to Havana ; and in these parts he 

spent the winter of 1565-6, hunting for 
1565-6 corsairs and seeking after his lost son. The 

winter found the Spanish colonists unpre- 
pared, which added to the disafifection which had al- 
ready sprung up among them. At St. Augustine and 
San Mateo the garrisons mutinied,and that of the latter 
place, with the exception of twenty-one men, seized a 
vessel that had arrived with provisions and set out for 
the West Indies. The garrison of St. Augustine was 
preparing to depart, when Menendez returned and en- 
deavored to persuade the men to remain, but in this 
he was unsuccessful. He was compelled to allow one 
hundred under Captain Vincente to return to Porto 
Rico in a small vessel, in which many of them died 
from overcrowding before reaching their destination. 

Hostility of the Indians. A great source of 
suflfering during this same winter was the hostility of 

Q. How did Menendez spend the winter? How did the 
winter find the colonists? Tell about the garrison of San 
Mateo. Give an account of the mutineers at St. Augustine. 
What was a great source of suffering during the winter? 

60 > - 



the Indians, who were incited by French fugitives to 
attack the Spaniards at San Mateo and St. 
1565-6 Augustine, so that in a short time it became 
dangerous for any one to venture beyond the 
walls of the forts. On one occasion the Indians sur- 
rounded the fort at St. Augustine, sending in a shower 
of arrows, some of which carried fire and soon had one 
of the storehouses blazing; and do what they might, 
the Spaniards were unable to put out the flames before 
the entire building was consiuued. 

Menendez Hunts for Corsairs and Searches 
I- OR HIS Son. The Spanish adclaiitado found some of 
his ships at Havana, with which he set sail to attack 
the French and English corsairs cruising around San 
Domingo; but hearing that the king had sent him re- 
inforcements, he turned back. In the mean- 
1566 time, while waiting for the reinforcements, 
Feb. he sent to Campeachy for assistance which 
was denied him in Cuba ; and in February, 
1566, he explored the Tortugas and the southern coast 
of Florida, seeking for the son for whose sake he had 
in the first place wished to come to Florida. His son 
could not be found ; but friendly relations were estab- 
lished with the cacique Carlos, and several Spanish 
prisoners were rescued, one of whom Carlos was ac- 
customed to sacrifice every year. This Indian chief 
of South Florida had heard that Carlos was the name 
of the most powerful ruler in the whole world, the Em- 

Q. Who incited the Indians to hostility? How far was 
this hostility carried? Give an account of the burning of the 
storehouse. Tell about Menendez's hunt for corsairs. What 
explorations did he make during February? What prisoners 
were rescued? Why was the Indian chief named Carlos? 

61 



peror Charles V, and had adopted it as his own name. 
In March Menendez returned to St. Augustine. 

St. Augustine. According to one narrative, this 

was the time at which Menendez built the log fort 

which was destroyed twenty years later by 

1566 Sir Francis Drake. The position of St. Au- 
gustine was an excellent one, owing to the 
harbor, which allowed the smaller vessels bringing 
provisions to enter, but kept out the larger warships of 
an attacking enemy ; and in addition to this the sur- 
rounding region was healthy. Before the arrival of 
the Spaniards there had been an Indian village on this 
spot, called Seloy, and the newcomers made use of 
some of the native dwellings. The fort, which was in 
reality begun just after the destruction of Fort Caro- 
line, was an octagonal structure made of logs, and was 
situated near the site of the present fort. Other 
buildings were erected, among these a hall of justice, 
and very probably a church, as Menendez never forgot 
that he was to advance the cause of religion in the New 
World. 

Activity of Menendez. After the governor was 
rid of the discontented members of his colony, he 
sailed up the coast to. San Mateo, and from there to 
Quale, or Amelia Island, where the natives were con- 
verted in a body, but only after Menendez had ex-' 
plained to them how it was that the Spaniards could 
kill other Christians. "The other white people," he 

Q. What was built at this time at St. Augustine? Why 
was the position of St. Augustine an excellent one? What 
occupied the spot before the arrival of the Spaniards? Give 
an account of the fort. What other buildings were erected? 
Tell about the conversion of the Indians at Guale. 

62 



said, "were bad Christians, and believers in lies ; they 
had fled their own country, and came to mislead the 
caciques and other Indians" ; and for this reason they 
"deserved the most cruel death". A fort was also 
built at St. Helena (Port Royal, S. C), but most of its 

garrison soon deserted. During 1566 an ex- 
1566 pedition under Juan Pardo marched from St. 

Helena to the gold region of North Georgia. 
Menendez on his return sailed far up the San Mateo 
River (St. Johns River). Later a vessel, by his orders, 
explored this same stream in the endeavor to meet 

him, if possible, on the southern coast of 
1566-7 Florida, where he was building a small fort 

in the kingdom of Carlos ; but it did not pro- 
ceed far owing to the hostile Indians who lined both 
banks. 

Much trouble was all along experienced from the 
natives. They became, however, to some extent paci- 
fied, with tlie exception of one Saturiba, a powerful 
cacique and a match for the Spaniard in duplicity. 
Finally, troops marched against him ; but, as was the 
case with the modern Seminole in that same country, 
he was not found when wanted. 

Menendez Visits Spain. In the spring of 1567 it 

became necessary for the adelantado to make a visit to 

Spain in the interest of his colony, since the 

T567 evil reports of the deserters concerning his 

management of afifairs had reached the court. 

Q. What fort was built? Where did Juan Pardo march? 
Tell about the voyages on the San Mateo. How were the 
Indians disposed toward the Spaniards? Tell about Saturiba 
and the attack on him. Why did Menendez have to return 
to Spain? How was the voyage made? 

63 



The voyage was made in a small vessel of twenty tons, 
built at St. Augustine, and only seventeen days are 
said to have been required for the run to the Azores. 
He was received with much favor at court ; but he 
could obtain no aid such as was necessary to put his 
settlements in condition to resist the attack which he 
expected from the French in retaliation for Matanzas 
and Fort Caroline. Indeed, there was already a rumor 
that an expedition for Florida was fitting out in some 
French port. 

Dominic de Gourgues. When news of the massa- 
cre at Fort Caroline and Matanzas reached France, 
a storm of indignation rose among the people, and a 
memorial was sent up to the throne signed by the 
widows and orphans of the unfortunate colonists. But 
the Catholic court was indifferent to the sufferings of 
its Huguenot subjects, and nothing was done. An 
avenger was to arise in the person of a private indi- 
vidual, one Dominic de Gourgues, a man of noble 
birth, and, perhaps, himself a Catholic. Like most 
men of gentle birth in those days, he made arms his 
profession, and rose to the rank of captain, at that 
time a high honor ; but he was unfortunate enough to 
fall into the hands of the Spaniards, who set him to 
work in a galley. As fate willed it, this galley was 
captured by the Turks, who again lost it to the French, 
and in this way de Gourgues returned to his native 
country, smarting under his injuries. When it became 

Q. Give an account of his reception at court. What 
rumor was there at this time? Relate what was done in 
France on the arrival of the news concerning the massacre 
at Fort Caroline and Matanzas. Who was to avenge the 
murder at Fort Caroline and Matanzas? Give an account of 
Dominic de Gourgues' life. 

64 



evident that the court of France would do nothing to 
exact vengeance for its subjects murdered in Florida, 
he determined to take the task upon himself. Secrecy 
was necessary, for the court would very likely report 
his undertaking to the king of Spain ; and so he gave 
it out that he was preparing to go on a slave-hunt on 
the western coast of Africa. Accordingly, three ves- 
sels were fitted out, partly at his own expense, partly 
at the expense of his friends, and on the 22nd 
1567 of August, 1567, with one hundred men and 
Aug. 2.2 eighty-four mariners, he set sail from Bor- 
deaux, bound for the slave coast, where the 
remainder of the year was spent, and a cargo of ne- 
groes was captured. 

Arrival in Florida: Indian Allies. De Gour- 
gues now turned westward, and after a speedy voyage 
reached San Domingo, where he sold the negroes to 
the Spaniards, repaired his vessels, and procured a 
pilot for the Florida coast. Just after leaving San 
Domingo, it is said, he for the first time made known 
to his men his intention of punishing the Spaniards 
for the insult offered his country by the murder of her 
subjects, and asked for their assistance in an 

^^ attack on Fort San Mateo. Not a man was 
there whose heart did not burn at the story of his 
countrymen's wrongs, and who did not declare his 
eagerness to begin the work of revenge. In a short 
time the mouth of the St. Johns was reached ; but de 

Q. Why did he determine to take vengeance on the Span- 
lards? What did he give out as the object of his voyage? 
Tell about his expedition to the coast of Africa. What did he 
do at San Domingo? When did he first tell his men his 
plans? 

6 6S 



Gourgues did not land, though he might easily have 
done so, being mistaken for a Spaniard by the Spanish 
outposts. Instead, he ran up to the mouth of the St. 
Mary's River. Here the Indians would not permit the 
Frenchmen to land until it was made known ihat they 
were not Spaniards, whereupon they were received 
with every demonstration of joy. In three days, the 
chiefs Olocatora and Saturiba had their followers as- 
sembled, ready for the surprise of the forts on the San 
Mateo ; and they brought with them a youth about 
sixteen years of age, Peter de Bre by name, who had 
escaped from Fort Caroline and who was now useful 
as an interpreter. 

San Mateo Destroyed. Just at dawn de Gourgues 
and his allies arrived near the fort on the north side of 
the mouth of the river, but were held back by the tide 
until mid-day ; then they crossed and came close to the 
place before the Spaniards saw them. At the cry 
"The French ! the French !" the garrison, thinking the 
French came on ships, rushed to the gates to escape, 
and the whole number was killed or captured. The fort 
on the opposite side was soon silenced, a few cannon 
having been fired at de Gourgues' party ; and again 
every man was killed or captured. Reconnoitering 
parties were now sent out towards San Ma- 

1568 teo, who captured a Spanish soldier disguised 

as an Indian, and from him they learned that 

the troops in San Mateo were ignorant of the real 

Q. How did Gourgues' men receive his plan? Where did 
he land on the Florida coast? How did the Indians receive 
him? What youth was brought to him? Tell about the at- 
tack on the first Spanish fort at the mouth of the St. Johns 
River. Give an account of the second fort. What parties 
were sent out? 

66 



number of the invaders, supposing them to be about 
two thousand strong. This decided the French to 
attack at once. xA.s they and their red alhes drew 
near the Spanish fort, about sixty men came out to re- 
connoiter, whom de Gourgues cut to pieces, the In- 
dians having got in their rear and thereby prevented 
their return. Upon this the garrison rushed out, 
panic-stricken, and endeavored to make their way to 
St. Augustine ; but only a few, including the com- 
mander, succeeded in escaping. Much booty was se- 
cured in the fort; but before it could all be placed on 
board the vessels, an Indian, who was cooking fish, 
accidentally set lire to a powder-train leading to the 
magazine, and the explosion that followed destroyed 
the storehouses. 

"Not as to Spaniards, but as to Traitors, Rob- 
bers, AND Murderers." The Spanish prisoners were 
now led to the spot where in 1565 Menendez had 
hanged part of the P>ench taken in the capture of Fort 
Caroline, and were read a severe lecture. On the very 
trees where the Huguenots had swung, de Gourgues 
hung his Catholic captives, and nearby he set up a pine 
board with these words burned into it with a red-hot 
iron : "Not as to Spaiiiards, but as to Traitors, Robbers, 
and Murderers." 

Return of Dominic de Gourgues to France. 
In May, 1568, the avenger of the Huguenots of 

Q. What was learned from the Spanish soldiers? How 
was a party of sixty cut up? What defense was made by the 
garrison? How was it that all the booty was not carried on 
board the ships? What did de Gourgues do with his pris- 
oners? Give the inscription set up nearby. How did the 
Indians part with him? 

67 



Fort Caroline sailed for France amid the tears of his 

,, Indian friends, to whom he had to promise 

May . , . 

to return within a twelvemonth. In France 

he was received with great rejoicing. The king of 

Spain demanded that he should be given up, and 

Charles IX of France would have surrendered him 

had he not concealed himself and remained 
1568 hid for several years, till Charles gave him 

assurance of protection, in the end making 
him, it is said, admiral of the French fleet. He died 
suddenly in 1582, regretted by many. 

Menendez Again in Florida: His Death, At 
the very time that Dominic de Gourgues was destroy- 
ing San Mateo, Menendez was on his way across the 
Atlantic with abundant supplies and reinforcements. 
He had been made governor of Cuba, in addition to 
the governorship of his own province of Florida. 
AfYairs in the latter region were in a wretched condi- 
tion, owing to the hostility of the Indians and to the 
lack of food and clothing. Menendez rebuilt San 
Mateo ; reestablished his other posts on the coast ; and 
paid especial attention to the conversion of the natives. 
He soon had missionaries teaching from the southern 
point of Florida to the Chesapeake Bay, to which the 
missionaries were guided by an Indian from that part 
of the country who had been educated in Spain ; but 
he proved faithless, and the band of fathers was mas- 
sacred, only one escaping (see page 96). 

Q. How was he received in France? What office did 
de Gourgues finally obtain? What was Menendez doing at 
this time? How were affairs in Florida? Give an account 
of Menendez's operations. Tell about the missionaries sent 
to Chesapeake Bay. 

68 



As the importance of Florida declined, and as its 
maintenance caused a constant drain on his resources, 

the governor finall}- returned to Spain, leav- 
1574 ing the government in the hands of his 

nephew, Pedro A/Tenendez Marquez. In 
Spain he enjoyed the highest favor with the king, who, 
in 1574, appointed him to the command of the famous 
Invincil)le Armada which was to be fitted out against 
England ; but in this same year he was attacked by a 
violent fever and died at Santander at the age of fifty- 
five. 

Sir Francis Drake Burns St. Augustine. After 
the depart'ire of the energetic Menendez, the settle- 
nicius in Florida became little more than 
1586 militarv posts; and as no gold or silver w^as 
May discovered, it was difficult to obtain settlers 
willing to engage merely in the tillage of the 
soil. In 1586 the famous English rover. Sir Francis 
Drake, was sailing along the coast on his way back to 
England from a freebooting expedition to the West 
Indies. On Anastasia Island he descried a platform 
raised on four masts, evidently a lookout station. Be- 
fore sighting the lookout, neither Drake nor his men 
knew of a Spanish settlement in this part of the world. 
Late in the afternoon a cannon was landed on the 
point of the island nearest the Spanish fort, and two 
shots were fired, one passing through the Spanish flag, 
the other striking the ramparts ; but nothing further 
was done on account of the darkness. During the 
night a French fifer, a survivor of the second Matan- 

Q. Where did Menendez now go? How was he received 
in Spain? What important command was given him? How 
old was he at his death? 

69 



zas massacre, came out to the ships in a canoe, reported 
that the Spaniards had deserted their fort, and offered 
to act as a guide. Boats at once put off, and, after one 
or two shots from the few soldiers remaining, reached 
the fort, which had been deserted so hurriedly that 
about ten thousand dollars that were to pay the garri- 
son fell into the hands of the English. The town also 
surrendered, the inhabitants fleeing towards San Ma- 
teo, and was burned in retaliation for the death of the 
English sergeant-major. Sir Francis also intended 
to destroy San Mateo and St. Helena, but was pre- 
vented from landing at these places by the stormy 
weather. 

For the next hundred years the history of Florida 
is almost entirely a record of the efforts of missionar- 
ies to Christianize the natives. 



Q. What now became of the colonies? Tell about Drake's 
finding St. Augustine. What was done in the evening? Tell 
about the fifer. Give an account of the taking of the fort. 
Of the town. What else did Drake intend to do? Give the 
character of the history of Florida for the next hundred years. 

70 



INDIANS: 



CHAPTER VI. 

HISTORY— CIVILIZATION— RELIGION. 



Linguistic Family: Tribes. The Indians of 
Florida belong to the great family of Maskoki, or Mus- 




cogee. This family 
was made up of the 
various tribes dwell- 
ing in the southeast- 
ern part of the United 
States, with the ex- 
ception of two tribes 
inhabiting the dis- 
tricts Caloosa and Te- 
questa, in the end of 
the peninsula. It is 
very probable that 
these two came from 
,the neighboring is- 
lands ; and, indeed, 
there was a tradition 
that the people of Te- 
questa were the same as those who held the Bahama 
or Lucayan Islands. In the sixteenth century the 

71 



INDIAN TRIBES OF THE i6tH CENTURY. 



location of the tribes was about as follows: The pro- 
vince of Tocobaga lay north of Caloosa between the 
Hillsboro and Withlacoochee Rivers, and extended 
eastwardly to the Ocklawaha. North of Teqnesta, the 
southeastern corner of Florida, were the villages under 
the sway of the powerful Utina, whose residence was 
near the northern end of Lake George. Still further 
north, in the fertile district now known as Alachua and 
Marion counties, ruled Vitachuco, who, it will be re- 
membered, gave Hernando de Soto a severe struggle. 
Saturiba, the ally of Dominic de Gourgues, held sway 
over the territory around the mouth of the St. Johns 
and northwardly along the coast nearly as far as the 
Savannah. Between the Suwannee and the Chatta- 
hoochee were the Apalaches. West Florida seems at 
this time to have been sparsely settled, for there is 
only one tribe mentioned there, the Pensacola or "hair- 
people", who belonged to the Choctaw nation, which 
according to tradition once had its abode in this re- 
gion. 

About one hundred years after the settlement of St. 
Augustine, when the original inhabitants had been re- 
duced by prolonged conflict among themselves and 
with the whites, bands from various more northern 
tribes began to descend into Florida. The earliest 
band came from the Savannahs or Yemassees, who, 
pressed out from their own territory by the English 
settlers of Carolina, moved south and in the course of 
time occupied the region known as Middle Florida, 
where they became united with the remnants of the 

Q. To what family did the Florida Indians belong? Where 
did the tribes of Caloosa and Teqnesta come from? Where 
was Tocobaga? the reahii of Utina? Where did Vitachuco 
rule? Saturiba? Where were the Apalaches? 

72 



old tribts. P'roin near the same locality as the Yemas- 
sees came also the Uchees and the Apalachicolas 
(Apalafcluikla, not to be confounded with the Apalaches), 
who, about 1716, settled under Cherokee Lechee on 
the banks of the river afterwards called the Apalachi- 
cola. These settlements were the most important 
communities of the Lower Creeks, who also occupied 
West Florida. Of the Creeks and the Seminoles a 
more extended account is necessary because of their 
importance. 

Creek Nation. The Creek Indians were the last 
of the great waves of migration which swept from the 
west across the Mississippi in the centuries preceding 
the arrival of Columbus, and at one time they held the 
territory embraced in the States of Mississippi, Ala- 
bama, Georgia, and parts of South Carolina and Flor- 
ida. There is a legend that when Cortes conquered 
Mexico, the Creeks were the allies of the Tlascalans, 
but were frightened by the tales of Spanish prowess 
and fled northward. They continued in flight until 
they met the Alibamus, whom they defeated and con- 
tinued to pursue across the Missouri, beyond the Mis- 
sissippi, and southward, until finally a home and rest- 
ing-place was found on the Coosa, Tallapoosa, and 
Chattahoochee Rivers. The name Creek was given 
them by early traders because of the numerous streams 
found in their country. During the eighteenth cen- 

Q. What tribe has left its name in West Florida? Why 
were the original tribes reduced? Give an account of the 
Yemassees. Give an account of the Uchees and Apalachi- 
colas. With whom must not the Apalachicolas be con- 
founded? Who occupied West Florida in later times? Where 
did the Creek Indians come from? What territory did they 
once occupy? 

73 



tury the French, Spanish, and EngHsh vied with each 
other in courting' the favor of the Creeks for 
1740 the sake of their trade. In 1740 a band of 
these In(hans accompanied General Ogle- 
thorpe in his expedition against St. Augustine, and 
during the Revolutionary War the whole nation sided 




INDIAN \VARRiOR_. De Bry , 1391. 

with the British. But of this and of their further his- 
tory more will be said hereafter. 

Seminoles. When Governor Moore of South 

Carolina endeavored to drive out the Spanish from St. 

Augustine in the year 1702, a part of his forces 

were Creek Indians, who kept possession 

of the lands north of the St. Johns, and, uniting 

74 



I750 
i8oo 



with runaway negroes from the Enghsh and the Span- 
ish colonies, formed the nucleus from which came the 
Seminoles. The term sciiiaiiolc or isti siinaiiolc signi- 
fies scparatisls or niiia-a'ays, and the Seminoles were 
always regarded as outcasts by the main body of the 
Creeks. The present Seminoles of Florida call them- 
selves "Peninsula-people". By 1732 they claimed the 
country from the Flint River to St. Augus- 
tine, and began of their own accord to make 
incursions into the peninsula, as that of 1750 
when Secofifee and his band settled the 
Alachua region. Before the end of the last 
century they were in possession of the entire peninsula, 
having absorbed the different rem- 
nants of the older tribes. Like the 
Creeks, during the Revolution they 
sided with the British ; but they do not 
appear as a distinct body in American 
history until the beginning of 
this century, when they were 
under the leadership of King 
Payne, a son of Secofifee. 
Payne was slain in a battle 
with the Americans in 1812. 
In 1817 and again in 1835, they en- 
gaged in hostilities with the United 

ARROW-HEAD. 

Q. Relate the legend of the origin of the Creeks. What 
is the origin of the name Creek? Why did the English, 
French, and Spanish court the favor of the Creeks? Tell 
what is given about their history. What formed the nucleus 
of the Seminole nation? What does Seminole mean? How 
did the Creeks regard the Seminoles? What do the Semi- 
noles call themselves? Mention something of their later 
history. 

75 




1812 

1817 
1835 



States, and the majority of them were finally removed 
to the Indian Territory. 

The modern Seminoles are made up of separatists 
from the Lower Creek towns — but a large body of the 
Upper Creeks joined them after the war with the 
United States in T814 — of remnants of tribes partly 
civilized by the Spaniards, of Yemassee Indians, and 
some negroes. 




INDIANS CURING MEATS FOR WINTER. De Bry, ISgl. 

Civilization of the Original Tribes. In ap- 
pearance the Floridians were of a light brown color, 
somewhat darker on the southern coasts ; "of great 
stature and fearful to look upon." Their terrible as- 
l)ect was increased by the practice of tattooing their 
bodies for the purpose of enhancing their beauty and 



Q. How did the Seminoles treat the old tribes? When 
do they first appear as a distinct body in American history? 
Under what leader? What finally became of them? Of 
what are the modern Seminoles made up? Describe the 
appearance of the Florida Indians. 

1(^ 



of recording' their exploits in war. Clothing was little 
needed in their southern climate ; and so their attire 
consisted simply of deerskins dressed and dyed in var- 
ious colors, besides which they wc:)re light garments of 
moss or of palmetto leaves. But one description gives 
them little or no clothing. Their arms were bows and 
arrows, and spears, which were sometimes tipped with 
fish bones. 

Dwellings. Old sketches made from memory by 
the French artist who was at Fort Caroline, represent 
the houses of these early peoples as rovmd, with floors 
level with the ground, except in the case of the chief, 
whose house, in the centre of the village, was not 
round and sometimes had its floor lower than the level 
of the surface. In some districts the chief's house was 
on a high artificial mound, which was often capable of 
holding as many as twenty houses. The dwellings 
were grouped together in villages, and were sur- 
rounded with a close wall of posts set firmly in the 
ground and reaching above the surface about twice 
the height of a man. Occasionally, an entire village 
would be comprised within the w-alls of a single huge 
building, the different families living in the cabins 
built around the inside of the walls. 

Livelihood. Agriculture was very simple. The 
ground was worked by means of sticks pointed at the 
end or with clam shells fastened to them, and yet it is 
said that a large yield was obtained in this way from 

Q. Why did they tattoo? Describe their clothing. De- 
scribe their arms. How does the French artist represent 
their houses? How was the chiefs house constructed? On 
what was it often placed? How were the dwellings grouped? 
Describe the occasional arrangement of a village. How was 
the ground cultivated? 

^7 



the seed of maize, beans, and other vegetables, planted 
twice a year, in March and in June or July. If, as 
was invariably the 
case, this food did 
not supply the sim- 
ple wants of the na- 
tives for a year, 
they took to the for- 
est and lived the re- 
mainder of the time 
on roots and game. 
The waters of the 
coast furnished 
them with oysters and fish. 

Sport. The 




INDIANS TILLI.NT, THE SOIL. De tity, 15^1. 



favorite sport was 
ball. To play this, a pole about fifty 
feet high was set up in the centre of 
the public square, and on the top was 
placed a mark which had to be struck 
with the ball in order to win the game. 
Musical instruments were a sort of 
drum and a flute made of cane, with 
which very unmelodious sounds were 
produced on festal occasions. 

Ruler. Very unlike the tribes in 
the northern parts of the United 
HOEORADzoFcoNCH Statcs, wlicrc a chief held his' ofBce 

SHELL — KEY DWELL- . . 

ERs. only SO long as he was superior m 

valor and wisdom, the Floridians were ruled by fami- 
lies in which the power of king remained and de- 

Q. How often was a crop planted? What was done when 
the food supply failed? Give an account of the favorite sport. 
What musical instruments were used? 

78 




Proc. Amer. Ph Soc. 



scended to the children of the first wife. Indeed, in 
Caloosa the king was considered divine and able to 
grant or withhold rain as he pleased. But among all 
the tribes he had absolute power over his subjects, 
. -^ who were devoted 

to him and ready to 
lay down their lives 
for him at any time. 
It is said that even 
the food of the king 
was entirely differ- 
ent from that of his 
•people. 

1 Caloosas. Ac- 
cusation has been 
brought against the 
natives of Caloosa 
;that they were sav- 
age and given to 
piracy ; but it is 
hard to blame them 
when it is remem- 
bered that large 
numbers of them 




TRUMPETER. 



1763 



De Bry, 1591. 

were carried away by slave-catching Spaniards, who 
at one time completely depopulated the Florida Keys. 
The last remnant of the tribe were possessors 
of Cayo Vaco and Key West, where they 
were notorious for their cruelty to shipwrecked mari- 

Q. How did the office of the chief differ among the Flor- 
idians from that of the northern tribes? Give an account of 
the king of Caloosa. Tell of the other kings of the tribes. 
What accusation is brought against the Caloosas? What 
can be said in their favor? 



79 



ners. In 1763 the whole body, to the number of 
eighty famihes, moved to Cuba, and have not again 




Pioc Amer. Pbilos. Soc. 

TOV CANOE — KEY DWELLERS. 



been heard of. The name of Caloosa hngers in Flor- 
ida in Caloosahatchee. 

War. No American Indians were fiercer than the 
tribes which have at various times occupied the penin- 
sula of Florida. This is attested by the experience 
of those who have tried to conquer them, from the 
days of Juan Ponce de Leon to the Seminole War, 
when for seven years a few hundred Indians held at 
bay the armies of the United States. Their methods 
of fighting were like those of other Indians. Some 




Proc. Amer. Pliilos. Soc. 

WEAPON FITTED WITH SHARK'S TEETH— KEY DWELLERS. 

tribes used poisoned arrows ; some used sculptured 
war clubs. A declaration of war rarely preceded an 
attack ; but some of the tribes in northern Florida 
were accustomed to stick up arrows around the town 
or camp of the enemy on the evening before the at- 
tack. Fighting was always carried on by small bands, 
and was for the purpose of obtaining scalps, slaves, 
plunder, and hunting-grounds. 

Religion. Idols were unknown among the Flor- 
idians. The sun and the moon were the objects of 

Q. Give an account of the last remnant of the tribe. 
Where is the name Caloosa found? What was the character 
of the Florida Indians in war? How did some tribes fight? 

80 



their veneration and were honored by festivals, the 
principal festival being about the first of March at 
corn-planting time. A deer was sacrificed to the sun 
at the time of this festival, and its body or skin, stuffed 
with grain or fruits, was suspended from the top of a 
pole, around which a sacred chorus danced and sang. 
In the northern portion of the 
peninsula, the Toya feast was 
icelebrated about the time green 
corn became eatable. Those who 
wished to take part in the cele- 
bration were led by the priests 
into the public square, around 
which they danced and yelled 
three times, and then, suddenly 
breaking off, rushed into the 
forest, where they remained 
three da3's fasting, when they 
returned home to a famous 
banquet already prepared for 
them. In the meanwhile, the 
women had been weeping and 
.wailing for them, tearing their 
hair and cutting themselves 
and their daughters with 
stones ; and as the blood flowed they caught the drops 
and cast them into the air, crying "He toya!" At the 
time of the full moon there was a great celebration. At 
first the priest, with face to the rising moon, made hid- 

Q. Tell how war was declared by some tribes. How was 
fighting carried on, and for what purpose? What gods were 
worshipped? How were they honored? Describe the prin- 
cipal festival. Give an account of the behavior of the men 
at the Toya. Of the women. 
7 8i 




Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc . 



WOLF FIGUREHEAD FOR RELI- 
GIOUS CEREMONIES — KEY 
DWELLERS. 



eons noises and acted like a madman for the space of 
half an hour ; after this all joined in, making noises like 
various animals, and the ceremony was kept up till 
midnight. Human sacrifices were occasionally offered 

and around the St. 
Johns River there 
was a custom of 
offering the first- 
born son. Serpents 
were held in vener- 
ation, as is illustrat- 
ed by the story that 
when one of Domi- 
nic de Gourgues' 
men killed a snake, 
the natives cut off 
the head and carried 
it away with great 
care and respect. 
The same venera- 
tion existed also 
among the Semi- 

Proc. Amer, Philos. Soc. nolcS. 

An important man 
in the community was the priest or medicine-man, who 
was ready with his herbs and simples to cure the sick, 
and with his magic to supply rain or foretell the result 
of a battle. Often he promised the Indian brave that 
he should not be struck by bullets, and that he should 
conquer the enemy from a distance. 

Q. Describe the ceremony at the time of a full moon. 
Give an account of human sacrifices. Tell about the venera- 
tion of serpents. Give an account of the medicine man. 

82 




KINGFISHER — BIRD-GOD OF WAR OF ANCIENT KEY 
DWELLERS. 



Along the St. Johns River a priest or chief at his 
death was interred in a grave which had been dug in 
his dwelHng and over which a low mound was raised ; 
this was surrounded with arrows sticking in the 
ground, and was surmounted by the conch that had 
served him as a cup during his life. His possessions 
were gathered into his house and the whole burned. 
The tribe fasted for three days and 
nights, and his death was bewailed 
by the women for six moons, thrice 
each day. The Caloosas exposed 
the bodies of their dead to the air, 
seemingly to procure the bones, 
which were buried in an ordinary 
grave. It will be remembered that 
Juan Ortiz was set to guard bodies 
exposed in wooden coflfins, in order 
to keep the wild beasts from carry- 
ing them ofif. 

Customs, Rites, Etc., of 

Later Tribes. As the original 

tribes belonged almost entirely 

to the Muscogee family, it is 

natural that there should be a great 

Ret>. of Bur. of Ethtioi. likcncss bctwcen their customs, 

MODERN SEMINOLE, ntes, ctc. aud those . of the later 

tribes, who also belonged to the same family. But the 

Creeks and Seminoles had peculiarities which are in 

themselves interesting and instructive. 

Q. Describe the grave of priest or king. What was done 
with his property? What ceremonies of mourning were em- 
ployed? How did the Caloosas bury their dead? Who was 
set to guard the corpses? Why should the customs of later 
tribes be similar to those of the earlier? 

83 . 




Appearance. The men of the Creek nation were 
large, powerful fellows ; but in striking contrast was 
the sniallness of the women, who were, however, very 
handsome — as would also appear from the number of 
marriages between white traders and Creek women. 
Some Seminoles exhibited their mixed origin of In- 
dian and negro ; but some were very tall and fine look- 
in 2:. 




Rep. 0/ Bur. of Ethnol. 

MODERN SEMINOLE HOUSE. 

Public Square of the Creeks. In the center of 
every Creek town of any size was reserved a piece of 
ground of square shape, in which were the only public 
buildings of the town, a great house, consisting of four 

Q. Give the appearance of the Creek men as contrasted 
with that of the women. What is said of the appearance of 
the Seminoles? Describe the "square" of the Creek towns. 

84 



sheds opening- on tlie "square", one on each side, and a 
council house, on a circular mound in the northeast cor- 
ner. The "square" was the centre of all public life, 
and was the place where the annual busk was held. 
Here was also the play-ground, in the northwestern 
angle, with its pole in the middle, on the top of which 
a mark was fastened, to be shot at with 
rifles or arrows. Traders called the 
play-ground chunkey yard, from the prin- 
cipal game played in it, the game of 
chunkey, which consisted of rolling on 
its edge a rounded stone, called the 
chunkc, and then throwing a pole after 
it. The man whose pole lay nearest the 
stone when it ceased rolling won the 
game. 

Red Towns and White Towns. 
Creek towns were divided intO' two 
classes, red towns, and white towns, a 
distinction which is said to have been a 
thing of the past bv the end of the last 

Rep. of Bur. ^ ^ 

ofEthnoi. .century. The term Red refers to the 
SEMINOLE WOMAN. ^^.^^Ijj^g dispositiou of these towns, de- 
picting, it is supposed, the wrath of the warrior on the 
war-path ; and red paint was applied to one side of the 
posts of the warrior's house in the public square. 
These towns were governed by warriors only. White 
towns were peace towns governed by civil ofificers, 

Q. For what was it used? What was in the middle of the 
playground? What name did the traders give it? Why? 
How were Creek towns divided? What does the term red 
refer to? How were the red towns governed? Give an ac- 
count of the white towns. Tell about the knowledge of writ- 
ing among the Creeks. 

85 




and were said to have been places of refuge for per- 
sons fleeing from punishment or from the vengeance 
of their pursuers. 

Methods of Recording Events. In common 
with most of the tribes of North America, the Creeks 
possessed a knowledge of picture-writing, generally 
on tanned skins, such as the one given General Ogle- 
thorpe, which contained the legend concerning the mi- 
gration of the Creeks. But this tribe had a method of 
recording events peculiar to themselves, namely, the 
use of strings of small beads in the shape of a narrow 
riblion. Beads of various colors were employed, and 
their meaning depended on their size and position on 
the string. One old tradition thus preserved told how 
the Creek nation had once dwelled in cave-homes 
along the Red River of Louisiana, and how they had 
wandered thence to their homes in Alabama. 

Condition of Woman. Woman's life was drudg- 
ery. She prepared her lord's food ; made salt ; culti- 
vated the earth ; tanned deer skins and made mocca- 
sins of them ; spun "bufifaloe wool" ; and manufac- 
tured the various articles of household use, baskets, 
brooms, pots, bowls, and other earthen and wooden 
vessels. Among the several tribes of the Muscogee 
family the children took the name of the mother, and 
not of the father ; and in case of his death were cared 
for by her nearest relatives. 

Q. What peculiar method of recording events did they 
have? What old tradition is thus preserved? Give an ac- 
count of woman's life. Whose name did the children take? 
What kind of marriage was forbidden. How are those who 
have more than one wife punished among the Seminoles? 
How may the man be reinstated? 

86 



Marriage. Intermarriag-e between members of 
the same family was forbidden. Divorce was very 
frequent ; but a plurality of wives was not allowed. 
This ofifence is punished among the modern Seminoles 
by banishment of the man from the tribe, although he 
is reinstated if he can jump unseen into the midst of 
the ring at the green corn dance. 

Initiation of Boys. Creek boys were taught 
from an early age to accustom themselves to hardship : 
they had to swim in the coldest weather ; had to un- 
dergo a scratching from head to foot with broken glass 
or gar-fish teeth, and, when covered with blood, wash 




Rep. of Bur. of Etknol. 

SEMINOLE CRADLE. 

in cold water. As a punishment, they were scratched 
in the same way without the wash in cold water. It is 
no wonder that the men suffered from rheumatism and 
other afflictions. Between the ages of fifteen and sev- 
enteen a Creek youth underwent the ceremony of in- 
itiation into manhood. First, he remained in a house 
for four days, eating only bitter roots ; after this he 
came out wearing a new pair of moccasins. Then for 
twelve moons he could not eat the meat of young deer, 
of turkey-cocks, of fowls, nor peas, nor salt ; nor could 

Q. Give the method of accustoming boys to hardship. 
Describe the initiation. What effect was it supposed to have 
on the youth? 

87 



he pick his ears or scratch his head with his fingers but 
had to use a stick. At the end of the twelfth moon, he 
took a bath in cold water, the last act of the ceremony. 
During the period of his initiation the youth was sup- 
posed to have visions which revealed to him the prin- 
ciples of bravery, the modes of charming enemies at 
a distance and of obtaining scalps, riches and the way 
to obtain them, and the prospects of happiness and dis- 
tinction. The ceremony ended, the young man now 
became a brave. 

Names. Women and boys had only one name. 
Among the warriors there were war-names, such as 
"White Lieutenant", "Mad Dog", and "Old Red 
Shoe" ; and also war titles, which were conferred for 
bravery in battle, such as "deer warrior", "deer crazy 
warrior", "deer heartless warrior", and "deer hallooing 
warrior". A promising young man could obtain by ap- 
pointment the ofBce of "leader" ; from that could ad- 
vance to the position of "upper leader" ; and finally to 
the highest distinction of "great warrior". In time 
of war a "generalissimo", or commander-in-chief, 
was selected from all the "great warriors". 

War Customs. War was not declared before the 
attack. When the "great warrior" determined to go 
on the war-path, he gave notice to his followers, and 
at his departure uttered the war-whoop and fired ofif 
his gun. This his men also did, although many of 
the warriors did not join him for two or three days. 

Q. How many names had women and boys? Mention 
some war names. Give some war titles. What were the 
grades of advancement? How was the "generahssimo" 
chosen? Give the leader's method of starting on the war- 
path. Give an account of the marching of the party. Tell 
about the camp. What prisoners were spared? 



The war-party marched in single file, each man step- 
ping in the tracks of the man in front, often the last 
man covering up the tracks with pieces of grass. At 
night every warrior lay close to his neighbor, form- 
ing a circle around the camp-fire, and no one moved 
after a signal given by the commander. All prison- 
ers, with the exception of little children, were merci- 
lessly slain by the Creeks. 

Government. The tribe was divided into gentcs 
or families^ each with a name or totem, and the mem- 
bers of a family lived together, so that a village pre- 
sented the appearance of several clusters of houses 
joined together. Among the Creeks, the principal 
families were the Wind, the Tiger, the Bear, and the 
Eagle, the first being the chief family and furnishing 
the Great Chief of the Confederacy, wdio was, how- 
ever, of influence only as he was a man of superior 
wisdom and ability. He did not always unite in him- 
self the office of governor and general, as was shown 
by the case of Alexander McGillivray, who had a 
Frenchman named Milfort appointed as commander- 
in-chief of the Creek nation. The Creeks w^ere simply 
a union of many tribes and towns for the purpose of 
mutual defense, and every individual or town could go 
on the war-path at pleasure, even against the decree of 
the Great Chief. There was no fixed capital : the 
chiefs of the Confederacy met annually in some central 
town. In every town there was an executive officer 

Q. How was the tribe divided? What appearance did the 
village present? Which were the principal Creek families? 
On what did the great chief's influence depend? How was 
his office often divided? What was the Confederacy? Where 
did the chiefs meet? Give the different grades of offices in a 
town? How did the Creeks address the Supreme Ruler? 

89 



called Micco, usually styled by the whites King; next 
to him in power was the council; after these the old men 
or advisers ; then the beloved men, who were dis- 
tinguished in public service, especially as warriors. 

Religious Beliefs; Superstitions. The Creeks 
addressed the Supreme Ruler as "Source of Breath", 
who is simply the wind personified as God. But the 
four winds from the four cardinal points of the com- 
pass, were in an old legend represented as four females, 
from whom the original four clans of the Creeks were 
descended ; and these winds were honored every year 




Rep. of Bur. of Ethnol. 



SEMINOLE BIER. 



bv the celebration of the Busk. Concerning the state 
after death, a distinguished chief said that an old no- 
tion was that the spirit went to the west, and there 
joined its family and friends who had gone before it ; 
but there was no belief in future reward or punishment, 
except that the good spirit was cared for and the bad 
left to shift for itself. A belief in transmigration of 

Q. Tell about the four winds. How were they honored? 
What was the belief about a future state? Tell about the 
Seminole's belief in transmigration of souls. 

90 



souls existed among the Seminoles, who held the in- 
fant over the face of its dying mother in order that it 
might receive her spirit. There is a story that once a 
female slave was slain on the tomb of a Seminole 
princess to be her companion and attendant in the 
other world. An interesting sacrifice was one offered 
every morning to the sun : at dawn the chief smoked 
before his door a pipeful of tobacco, and blew the 
smoke first towards the rising sun, then towards the 
other three points of the compass. 

Among many tribes spread over North and South 
America there was a custom of thrashing the dogs of 
the town during an eclipse : a practice which the 
Creeks explained by saying that the big dog, meaning 
night, was swallowing the sun, and that by whipping 
the little dogs they could make him cease. Belief in 
charms was strong. A peculiar charm was the one 
given a young warrior, composed of the bones of a 
panther and of the horn of a fabulous snake. The old 
men of the tribe went to the edge of the water where 
dwelled the wonderful snake, and there sang the sacred 
songs, whereupon he rose to the surface. The songs 
were repeated, and the monster rose a little out of the 
water. At the next repetition he showed his horns, 
and one was cut off. A fourth time the old men sang, 
and, as the monster listened, his remaining horn was 
cut off. A piece of one of the horns was given the 
young warrior to keep ofT the arrows of his foes. 

Q. What human sacrifice among the Seminoles is on 
record? Tell about the tobacco sacrifice. Give an account 
of the custom of thrashing dogs. What charm was given a 
young warrior? Describe the way in which the snake's 
horns were obtained. What power did a piece of the horn 
have? 

91 



Of one class of priests among the Creeks an old 
writer says that they dressed in white robes and car- 
ried on their head or arm "a great owlskin, stuffed 
very ingeniously, as an insignia of wisdom and divina- 
tion. These bachelors are also distinguishable from 
other people by their taciturnity, grave and solemn 
countenance, dignified step, and singing to themselves 
songs or hymns, in a low, sweet voice, as they stroll 
about the towns". 

Annual Busk. This festival lasted for eight days 
at the ripening of the corn. On the first day, the area 
of the great house was cleaned, and the assi, or black 
drink, brewed ; a new fire was then kindled, and the 
women of the turkey family danced the turkey dance, 
after which assi was dnmk. But the great day 

was the last day, when 
the magic drink was 
prepared. Late in the 
evening a crowd gath- 
ered on the bank of 
a stream. Each man 
put a grain of "old 
man's tobacco" on his 
head and in each ear ; 
and, after throwing 
some of it into the 
water, jumped in, 
picked up four stones, 

EARTHEN JAR. FROM AN INDIAN MOUND. ^rOSSed himSClf foUr 

Q. Give the old writer's account of certain Creek priests. 
How long did the Busk last? What was done on the first 
day? Describe the proceedings of the last day. What change 
took place at this festival? What was done to symbolize the 
change? 

92 





times with them, and threw them back into the river, 
at the same time uttering the death-whoop. The long 
dance ended the ceremony. After this all quarrels 
were forgotten ; all crimes except murder absolved ; 
and, as a symbol of the complete change, the utensils 
of the house were broken and replaced by new ones. 

Antiquities. Along the St. Johns River, on the 
rich lands of Marion and Alachua counties, in the 
hammocks of the Suwannee, and scattered over many 
parts of the peninsula, are mounds, some of great 
height and extent, 
which examination 
lias shown to hci 
tumuli for the deposit 
of .the bones of the 
dead. Their great 

size is due to addi- earthen dish, from an indian mound. 

tions, made from time to time, to the original 
heap. In them are found pieces of pottery, 
stone axes and arrow heads, beads, etc., some 
of which go back to an early date, but others indicate 
that the mounds were built after the Spaniards 
had come into Florida. An old traveller gives "an in- 
teresting description of a mound on Lake George, 
which was about one hundred yards across and twenty 
feet high ; and leading from it to a pond three-quarters 
of a mile distant, was an avenue as level as a floor. 
Distinct from mounds of this character are the heaps 
of oyster shells along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, of 
which some are natural deposits, and others are of 
artificial origin. A third class of antiquities should 

Q. Where are Indian mounds especially found? What 
gave them their large size? 

93 



be mentioned, and that is the "Indian old fields", es- 
pecially frequent in the fertile district of Alachua 
county. These fields once belonged to the Seminoles 
in the days when they held undisputed sway, and by 




Morast, Tampa. 

INDIAN MOUND NEAR TAMPA. 

the marks of cultivation preserved in the tenacious 
soil, they can be easily distinguished from the lands 
tilled by the Spanish occupants. 



Q. What are found in these mounds? Give what is said 
by an old traveller about a mound on Lake George. What 
kind of mounds are to be distinguished from these? Give an 
account of the "Indian old fields." 

94 



CHAPTER VII. 

SPANISH MISSIONS-FORT MARION— PENSACOLA 

First Attempts to Christianize the Indians 

OF Florida. From the first voyage of Juan Ponce 

de Leon every adelantado carried priests and friars 

with his army, in order that the spiritual needs of the 

natives might be suppHed, whatever might become of 

their bodies. The first real missionary ex- 

1549 pedition was the unfortunate venture of 

Father Cancer in 1549, as already related; 

1565 but the first successful establishment of a 

mission in Florida was effected after Pedro 

Menendez had founded St. Augustine in 1565. 

Missionary Zeal of Menendez. Menendez 
brought over with him in the first instance, four Jes- 
uits and twelve friars, and immediately after his colony 
had fairly begun he sent missionaries with an Indian, 
brother of the chief of Axacan, along the coast north- 
ward towards Chesapeake Bay. Ow'ing to 
1567 bad weather, they sailed for Spain, where the 
Indian was baptized under the name Don 
Luis Velasco. In 1567 Menendez sent two zealous 
fathers, one of them named Rogel, to Ca- 
loosa, where he had already begun a settle- 

Q. What did the adelantados bring with them? When 
was the first missionary expedition? After what date was 
the first successful mission established? Give an account of 
Menendez's first missionary effort. Tell about Father Rogel. 

95 



nient ; but after two years Father Rogel gave up 
in despair and sought another field of labor in the 
country north of the Savannah. In the meantime, 
however, at the suggestion of these two missionaries, 
a seminary for the education of Florida youth was es- 
tablished at Havana, and the cacique of Caloosa's son 
was sent there to be educated ; but in spite of all efforts 
to christianize and reconcile him to the Spanish su- 
premacy, on his return home he became "more trou- 
blesome and barbarous than ever". Of ten 
1568 missionaries who came over in 1568, one. 
Father Antonio Sedeiio, took up his resi- 
dence on Guale or Amelia Island. Here he labored 
most diligently ; but his only reward was the conver- 
sion of seven persons, and four of these infants in the 
throes of death, although it will be remembered Me- 
nendez claimed to have converted the natives 
1570 of Guale in a body. Two years later the In- 
dian, Don Luis Velasco, set out with a num- 
ber of missionaries for the province of Axacan. After 
he had conducted them several days' journey into the 
wilderness, he deserted, but shortly returned with a 
band of warriors, who slew every missionary, one boy 
escaping out of the whole company. Later Menen- 
dez came to the Chesapeake Bay in person to chastise 
the murderers ; but he could capture only eight In- 
dians, whom he hanged from the yard-arm of his ves- 
sel, after they had been converted by Father Rogel. 
About this time the Jesuits gave up the attempt to 

Q. What was established at Havana? Tell about the ca- 
cique of Caloosa's son. Give an account of Father Sedeiio. 
Tell about the expedition led by the Indian Don Luis. What 
did Menendez do by way of punishing the murderers? 

96 



christianize the Indians of Florida, and their place was 
taken by the Franciscans. 

Father Rogel. When Father Rogel left Caloosa 
for the country north of the Savannah, he studied the 
language of the natives industriously, and in six 
months was able to preach to them in their own 
tongue. Much interest began to be displayed by 
them, and he was dreaming of success, when suddenly 
his whole flock disappeared into the woods : the time 
to gather their winter store had arrived. But, un- 
daunted, he followed, and by liberally bestowing pres- 
ents, gathered a few Indians into a village, when again 
they deserted him for the forest. Again he followed ; 
and, after eight months' application, deciding that they 
were sufficiently instructed to receive baptism, he 
called a council of the chiefs and proposed that the 
tribe renounce the devil for the new faith. To the poor 
missionary's amazement, the leaders cried out unani- 
mously : "The devil is the best thing in the world. 
We adore him ; he makes men valiant." 

1569 Father Rogel gave up trying to convert these 
Indians, although it is said that he returned 
to them once more, this time barely escaping with his 
life. 

Murder of Missionaries. After the departure of 

Menendez the missionary work in Florida languished, 

until 1592, when twelve Franciscans arrived; 

1592 then in two years there were said to be no 
less than twenty missions. Unhappily, one 

1597 of these priests at Tolemato (the present ceme- 
tery of St. Augustine), Father Corpa, found it 

Q. Who took the place of the Jesuits? How successful 
was Father Rogel in learning the tongue of the natives? 
How was he disappointed? What did he then do? 
8 97 



necessary to rebuke the cacique's son in public. This 
so enraged the young man that, gathering a band of 
braves from a neighboring village, he crept up to the 
chapel in the night, burst in the door, and murdered 
the missionary before the altar. With fiery eloquence 
the young chief incited the Indians of Tolemato to slay 
all the missionaries. They accordingly entered the 
chapel of Father Montes nearby, murdered him, and 
cast his body into an adjoining field. Guale was then 
visited, and its missions destroyed, the missionaries 
being slain, except one Father Avila, who was made a 
slave and compelled to labor in the field until finally 
exchanged for an Indian, a prisoner in St. Augustine. 
The governor of St. Augustine hastened to the assist- 
ance of the priests, but arrived too late to do anything 
except to lay waste the fields and villages of the In- 
dians, thus bringing about a severe famine. 

Missions Among the Apalaciies. In a few years 

the ruined missions were restored and others erected, 

so that by 1615 it was said there were twenty 

161 5 converts on the coast and in the interior. 
After the war with the Apalaches in 1638, in 

1638 which they were defeated, missions were es- 
tablished among them, and within a few years 
Middle Florida was pretty thoroughly christianized, 
so thoroughly that over a century afterwards 

1684 the remnant of the Apalache tribe preserved 
in their western home a portion of the Catho- 

Q. What council did Father Rogel call? How did the 
chiefs answer his proposition? How much longer did he 
continue to preach to these Indians? How did missionary 
work thrive after Menendez's departure? Give an account of 
Father Corpa's death. Of Father Montez's death. Tell about 
the missions at Guale. What was done by the govjrnor? 

9S 



lie faith. In 1684 troubles began, for in this year the 

Yemassees plundered St. Catharine's mission, 

1696 but the work of the missionaries was greatly 

aided by the overland route to Pensacola, 

1704 which was founded in 1696. Destruction 
soon came, however, with the inroads of the 

1705 English under Governor Moore of South 
Carolina in 1704, and of the Alibamus in 

1705- _^ 

Final Ruin of the Spanish Missions. From 
the time of Governor Moore's attack on St. Augus- 
tine in 1702, there was a series of inroads 
1702 into the province of Florida, following so 
close on one another that it was impossible 
to reestablish the ruined missions before the final 
death-blow came in the British occupation of 
^7^3 ^7^3- Every Spaniard withdrew from Flor- 
ida. The new English possessors had no 
1783 thought of converting the Indians ; and when 
Spain twenty years later once more counted 
1819 Florida as her own, affairs were so unsettled 
that the missions were not reopened. In 
1 819 Florida ceased forever to be a Spanish posses- 
sion. 

Fort Marion. When the Apalache Indians were 
conquered in the war of 1638, large numbers of them 
were l^rought to St. Augustine and set to 

Q. How many converts were there in 1615? Give an ac- 
count of missions among the Apalaches. How did the first 
trouble begin? What eflfect did the founding of Pensacola 
have? How did destruction come? Give an account of the 
cause of the ruin of Spanish missions in Florida. What did 
the English do for missions? Why did not Spain reopen her 
old missions? 

09 



1638 



work on the new fort designed to take the place of the 
old San Juan de Pinas ; and for sixty years 
Apalache Indians were employed on the 

structure, doing the heaviest part of the work. Fort 

Marion, or, as the Spaniards called it, San Marco, is 

constructed of coquina rock quarried on 

1756 Anastasia Island, and was until modern times 

a fortress of considerable strength. It was 

completed by the governor, Don Alonzo Fernandez 




Cox, SL Augustine. 



FORT MARION. 



de Herrera, according to the inscription over the gate- 
way, in 1756, after nearly a century and a quarter of 
hard labor bestowed on it by Indians, by con- 
1842-3 victs from Mexico, and by the garrison; and 
at the present time it stands as it was in the 
1690 days of Don Alonzo, except that the water- 
battery was reconstructed by the United 
States in 1842-3. At the end of the seventeenth cen- 



tury, in 1690, the fort, as well as the town, was en- 
dangered by the encroachments of the sea. Governor 
Don Diego de Qniroga y Losada called a meeting of 
the citizens and soldiers, who enthnsiastically embraced 
the project of erecting a wall to keep out the ocean ; 




Cox, Si. Augustine. 

SEA-WALL, ST. AUGUSTINE. 

but the work dragged slowly along, and it was not 
until many years after 1700 that the wall was com- 
pleted. The present structure is much superior to the 

Q. On what were the Apalache prisoners set to work? 
For how long? What material was used in Fort Marion? 
When was it completed? Who worked on it? What did the 
United States construct? Give an account of the sea wall, 
both old and new. 



old one and about twice its length. It was built by 
the United States between the years 1837 and 1843 ^^ 
the cost, it is said, of one hundred thousand dollars. 

San Juan de Pinas was the name of the old wooden 
fort ; but, at some uncertain date, the new stone for- 
tress was christened San Marco, which after 1763 the 
English changed to St. John. When the Spaniards 
came again into possession, San Marco was once more 
its name, until the United States purchased Florida ; 
and then this was changed into Marion, in honor of 
the Revolutionary hero. 

Buccaneers Pillage St. Augustine. The latter 
part of the seventeenth century saw many fair Spanish 
cities of America pillaged and burned by the freeboot- 
ing buccaneers of the West Indies. St. Augustine 
was no exception, if the story be true which 
1665 makes Captain Davis pillage the town in 1665. 
Fort San Marco was not at that time com- 
pleted, and its garrison of two hundred men made no 
resistance. 

Foundation of Pensacola. One hundred and 
thirty-three years after Tristan de Luna had failed so 
miserably in his attempt to establish a settle- 
1560 ment on the shores of Pensacola Bay, another 
1693 Spaniard, Don Andres de Pes, visited the 
same harbour. As a memorial of his visit he 
added dc Galva, in honor of the viceroy of Mexico, to 
the name of the bay, which Tristan had named Santa 
Maria, thus making it Santa Maria dc Galva. Three 
years later, Don Andres d'Arriola, with three 
1696 hundred soldiers and settlers, laid the foun- 
dation of the future town of Pensacola near 

Q. Give a history of the name of the fort. 
102 



the present site of Barrancas, where he erected a small 
fort and named it San Carlos. Close by were built 
several dwellings and a church. From this time on 
the name "Pensacola" for the settlement is found in 
Spanish annals, but its origin is wrapped in obscurity. 
The most plausible theory is that it is a Choctaw word 
meaning "hair-people", who have been already men- 
tioned.* 

Perdido River the Boundary Line Between 
THE Spanish and the French. At first Spain laid 
claim to the whole circuit of the Gulf coast ; but not 
long before the settlement of Pensacola, 
1680-86 France asserted her right to the possession of 
the entire Mississippi Valley in virtue of the 
voyages of La Salle (1680-1686), thus cutting out a 
large slice of Spain's coast-line. A question now 
arose as to where was the boundary-line between Lou- 
isiana, France's name for her new possession, 
1699 and Florida. In 1699 Lemoine d'Iberville 
arrived ofif Pensacola harbor, on his way to 
settle southern Louisiana. Seeing the masts of the 
Spanish vessels, he did not enter, though he asked 

Q. What class of people were active in the latter part of 
the seventeenth century? Tell about the pillaging of St. 
Augustine. Who visited Pensacola Bay in 1693? What me- 
morial did he leave? Give an account of d'Arriola's settle- 
ment. What is the origin of the- name Pensacola? 



* Gatschei, Afis-ratioM Legend 0/ tht; Creeks, p. 114. Similarly Fairbanks, 
Hist, of Florida. Campbell, however. Hist. Sketches of Colonial Florida, 
pp. 26fT., derives Pensacola from the Spanish Peniscola, the name of a small 
town in Spain. This name, he thinks, had been given to the settlement of 
Tristan de Luna, and had lingered in the traditions of the natives to reap- 
pear with d'.Arriola. 

103 



permission to do so, which was refused ; he then pro- 
ceeded on his way to Biloxi, now in Missis- 
1702 sippi. From Biloxi he moved his settle- 
ment, in 1702, to Mobile, now a city of Ala- 
bama. If he had arrived at Pensacola in advance of 
d'Arriola, Pensacola would have been a French pos- 
session ; for France would have claimed the territory 
up to the Chattahoochee River ; but as it was,Perdido 
River was chosen, in a most peaceful manner, as the 
boundary-line between French Louisiana and Spanish 
Florida. 



Q. What territory did Spain claim? How did France cut 
into Spain's possessions? By what right? What question 
now arose? Give an account of d'Iberville's settlements. 
What would his arrival before d'Arriola have efifected? 
What river became the boundary line between Louisiana and 
Florida? 

104 



CHAPTER VIII. 

ENCROACHMENTS OF THE ENGLISH— SPANISH 
INVASIONS OF SOUTH CAROLINA— GOVERNOR 
MOORE INVADES FLORIDA— WAR BETWEEN 
PENSACOLA AND MOBILE. 

English Settlements in Virginia and the 
Carolinas. We have already seen that, to the Span- 
iard, Florida meant an indefinite extent of country- 
north and west of the present Florida, as well as the 
comparatively small peninsula. France had tres- 
passed on Florida with her Canadian settlements, or 
rather, attempts at settlements ; and when at the end 
of the sixteenth century, Sir Walter Raleigh sent out 
his ill-fated colonies to Virginia, they also were on ter- 
ritory claimed by Spain. But her protests were un- 
heeded, nor could she resort to force ; for with the loss 
of the armada Spain lost her naval supremacy, and 
could no longer cope with the English or the French 
on the sea. The charter under which Jamestown was 
settled fixed the thirty-fourth degree of north latitude 
as the southern limit of Virginia ; but the 

1665 English settlements were too far away from 
the Spanish for any open act of hostility be- 
tween them. In 1665 South Carolina received its 

Q. What did Florida mean to the Spaniard? Where did 
France trespass on Florida? Why were not the first attempts 
of the English to settle Virginia frustrated by Spain? Where 
was the southern limit of Virginia? Why did not the Eng- 
lish and Spanish settlements break out into open acts of hos- 
tility? How did South Carolina hurt the Spanish? 

105 



charter, which fixed the southern hmit of this colony 
below St. Augustine, thereby making a most serious 
encroachment on Spanish rights ; and, furthermore, 
Charleston furnished a convenient refuge for piratical 
vessels at that time preying on Spanish commerce. 
English traders, too, began to compete with the Span- 
ish for the trade of the Indian tribes in Georgia and 
Alabama. 

Spanish Invasions of South Carolina. To set- 
tle these grievances, the Spanish authorities deter- 
mined to de- 
1 676 stroy the 
English Set- 
tlements in South 
Carolina. According- 
ly, in 1676, on in- 
formation from white 
servants, who had fled 
from the English, that the Carolina colony was discon- 
tented and in a wretched condition, a Spanish army 
advanced to the island of St. Helena, but was forced to 
retreat through the energetic resistance of the gov- 
ernor, Sir John Yeamans, and the timely arrival of 
reinforcements under Colonel Godfrey. In 
1686 1686 another Spanish force invaded South 
Carolina, this time attacking Port Royal, 
which had been founded five years previously, and 
was very weak and without protection. The town 
was taken and plundered, many of the citizens being 
killed or severely beaten. An incursion was made up 
the North Edisto River, where many plantations were 
destroyed and Governor Morton's brother captured. 
He was confined in a galley that had been driven on 

106 




SPANISH INVASION OF SOUTH CAROLINA. 



the beach, and, this catching fire, was allowed to burn 
to death — an act which aroused much indig- 

1687 nation among the English colonies. During 
the next year Captain Don Juan de Aila went 
to Spain for supplies and reinforcements ; but neither 
side made any further move for several years. De 
Aila's visit to Spain is noteworthy because for his ser- 
vices the king gave him the right to import negro 
slaves into Florida to work the plantations, and from 
this it would appear that African slaves had not been 
previously used, although Menendez had been author- 
ized to bring five hundred with him for his colony. 
Only one negro came back with de Aila, but the occa- 
sion was made one of rejoicing by the inhabitants of 
St. Augustine. 

English Invasion of Florida. Causes of ill- 
feeling between the colonies of the two nations still 
remained ; but during the term of Governor Archdale 
of South Carolina they had entered into friendly rela- 
tions, which were, however, broken ofT on the election 
of a new governor, by name Moore, who, it is said, had 
not been scrupulous in regard to the means employed 
to secure the ollfice, and for that reason wished to dis- 
tinguish himself in some notable enterprise. 

1702 The defenses of St. Augustine were said to be 
in bad condition ; many of the colonists had 

Q. For what did English traders compete with the Span- 
ish? How did the Spaniards determine to settle matters? 
Give an account of the first Spanish invasion. What town 
was attacked in the second invasion? How did the Span- 
iards treat the citizens? Tell about Governor Morton's 
brother. Where did Captain de Aila go in 1687? In what 
was his visit noteworthy? How many negroes had Menen- 
dez been authorized to bring with him? 

107 



lost servants by flight to the Spaniards ; and the War 
of Succession broke out in 1702 between France and 
Spain, on one side, and England, on the other. All 
these considerations concurred in influencing the As- 
sembly of South Carolina to vote ten thousand dollars 
of our present money for an expedition to capture St. 
Augustine. It was thought that five or six hundred 
men with as many friendly Creeks would be sufficient. 
In the meantime, however, the Spanish governor, re- 
ceiving information of the English preparations, had 
put St. Augustine in a respectable state of defense, and 
made provision for a siege of several months. 

Failure of Governor Moore to Take St. 
Augustine. Colonel Daniel, who was in command 
of the land force, reached St. Augustine, going part 
of the way in boats, and, after driving the inhabitants 
into the fort, possessed himself of the town before 
Governor Moore's ships hove in sight. But after the 
arrival of the governor, the combined forces 

1702 could do nothing, owing to the lack of mor- 
tars and guns of large calibre. A vessel was 
then sent to Jamaica for the necessary artillery, but the 
commander put back into Charleston ; and, therefore, 
after waiting some time. Governor Moore despatched 
Colonel Daniel on the same errand. During the lat- 
ter's absence two vessels appeared ofif the harbor, and, 

Q. Hdw many negroes did de Aila bring? What was the 
relation between the Spanish and English colonies? Give an 
account of Governor Moore. What influenced the Assembly 
to vote money for the enterprise? How large a force was 
thought sufficient to capture St. Augustine? What did the 
Spanish do in the meantime? Give an account of the land 
expedition under Colonel Daniel. 

108 



mistaking them for large men-of-war, Moore hurriedly 
abandoned his ships, stores, and ammunition to the 
enemy, and set out overland for South Carolina, which 
he reached without the loss of a single man. When 
Colonel Daniel returned, not knowing of the flight of 
the governor, he came near falling into the hands of 
the Spaniards. It seems to be proved that Governor 
Moore burned the town of St. Augustine before re- 
treating, as a report of this afifair before the English 
House of Commons speaks of such a burning. Moore's 
expedition cost the colony of South Carolina about six 
thousand pounds. 

Governor Cuntga Asks Aid from Spain. After 
a siege of three months the inhabitants of St. Augus- 
tine returned to their homes, only to find them de- 
stroyed. Assistance had to be secured from Spain to 
aid in rebuilding the town ; besides this Governor 
Cuniga represented to his government the need of 
strengthening the colony against the English, and of 
establishing garrisons among the Apalache Indians 
and in other parts of Florida. 

Apalaciies Defeated p>y the Creeks. Towards 
the end of 1702 nine hundred Apalache warriors, in- 
cited by the Spaniards, planned an inroad on the Eng- 
lish ; but on the way they were drawn into an ambus- 
cade by five hundred Creeks, who had been assem- 

Q. What was done on Moore's arrival? Why? Who was 
sent to Jamaica for artillery? Why did Governor Moore 
flee? What did he leave for the enemy? What came near 
happening to Colonel Daniel? What did Moore burn? How 
much did the expedition cost? What aid did the Spaniards 
receive from Spain? Give an account of the nine hundred 
Apalaches. 

109 



bled to repel them. The wily Creeks hung up their 
blankets, as if they were quietly resting in 

1702 camp, although in reality concealed in the 
bushes nearby. As the Apalaches came on, 

thinking to take the enemy unawares, the Creeks in 
ambush rose at the proper moment and routed them 
with great loss. 

Ruin of Apalache. Scattered through the region 
of Apalache between the Suwannee and Apalachicola 
Rivers were several Spanish stockades in connection 
with chapels, which had been erected for the mission- 
aries, who found the natives most willing to adopt 
Christianity ; but at this time the whole Span- 

1703 ish force in this district scarcely amounted 
or to fifty. Consequently, not much resistance 

1704 was offered to the invasion of Governor 
Moore in either 1703 or 1704. Entering the 

country by way of the Flint River, with about fifty 
white men and one thousand Creek Indians, he cap- 
tured a town on the first day, and on the second met 
and defeated a small Spanish and Indian force under 
Don Juan Mexia, who was slain in the battle. No 
further resistance was offered. Governor Moore vis- 
ited all the other towns, destroying and plundering, 
carrying off even the sacred vessels and garments of 
the churches, and dragging numbers of the natives 
into slavery on pretense of retaliating for the slaves 
who had run away from South Carolina. 

Q. What were scattered through Apalache? How were 
the natives inclined towards Christianity? What was the size 
of the Spanish force in Apalache? How large was Governor 
Moore's army? Give an account of his expedition. 

no 



The missions were ruined. It is sad to think that 

thus in the name of rehgion — for Governor Moore 

claimed to be zealous for the Christian faith — the 

light, however faint, should have been taken 

1708 away from these poor, ignorant savages. The 

repetition of the raid in 1708 completed the 

1705 destruction which the incursion of the Ali- 
bamus in 1705 had helped on. Governor 

Moore received from the English much praise for the 
success of this expedition into the enemy's territory. 

Combined French and Spanish Invasion of 

South Carolina. In 1706 a French frigate and four 

sloops touched at St. Augustine, and took 

1706 on board part of the garrison, for the purpose 
of invading South Carolina. But, fortun- 
ately, the ships became separated and entered the 
English colony at different points. A bold demand to 
surrender was sent to the governor, whose name was 
Johnson, to which he replied: 'T hold the country for 
ihe queen of England. My men will shed the last 
drop of their blood to defend it from the invader." The 
Carolina troops commanded by Colonel William Rhett 
then assailed the enemy's scattered forces, and though 
iiiimerically inferior, succeeded in capturing the frigate 
and in driving off the other vessels. No further inva- 
sion of South Carolina was made by the Spaniards. 

Famine at St. Augustine. St. Augustine had been 
settled nearly one hundred and fifty years, and yet in 

Q. How were the missions affected? How was the ruin 
completed? What did the English think of Moore's expe- 
dition? What ships touched at St. Augustine in 1706? For 
what purpose? Give Governor Johnson's reply to the de- 
mand for surrender. Give the English success. 



1/12 the inhabitants were reduced to such a state of 
hunger that horses, cats, and dogs were eaten 
1712 to sustain Hfe. It is strange that this should 
have happened when fish, oysters, and tur- 
tles were plentiful, and the country around the town 
fertile. 

Arrival of Yemassees. Up to 1714 the Yemassee 
Indians of Carolina had been friendly to the Eng- 
lish colonists, and had on more than one oc- 

1714 casion acted as their allies; but suddenly in 
the year just mentioned they made a powerful 
attack on their former friends. The English, however, 
rallied and drove them from the province into the 
Spanish territory ; and it is said that at St. Augustine 
they were received with salvos of guns and ringing of 
bells. This fact, combined with the removal of their 
families to Florida previous to the attack, renders it 
probable that the Yemassees had been incited in their 
uprising by Spaniards. Thirteen years later 

1727 Colonel Palmer raided over the Florida bor- 
der, and around St. Augustine found the 
Yemassees, most of whom he slew, at the same time 
laying waste their fields and villages. The survivors 
were incorporated into the Seminoles, and a few Ye- 
massees were carried west at the end of the Seminole 
War (1835- 1 842). 

Mrs. Barrows. The fugitive Indians kept up a 
harassing warfare over the border into South Caro- 

Q. To what state were the inhabitants of St. Augustine 
reduced in 1712? Why is this strange? Tell about the Ye- 
massee uprising. Where were they driven? How were they 
received at St. Augustine? Give reasons why it appears that 
they were incited by the Spaniards. 

112 



lina, committing many barbarous outrages on the 
frontier families. On one occasion a party of savages 
seized a certain Mrs. Barrows and one of her children, 
who were hurried away ; but the child beginning to 
cry, it was immediately killed before its mother's eyes, 
and she was told to cease grieving or she would svififer 
the same fate. At St. Augustine she was cast into 
l)rison, though one Indian chief begged that she should 
not be treated in this way. Her husband endeavored 
to secure her release, but was himself cast into prison, 
and there he soon died. After a long period of con- 
finement and of harsh treatment Mrs. Barrows was 
allowed to return to South Carolina, where the story 
of her barbarous treatment excited much sympathy. 

St. Marks and St. Joseph. In 1718, during the 

month of March, Don Jose Primo de Ribera, at the 

request of the chief of the Apalaches, erected 

1 718 a fort in the Apalache territory, which he 

Mar. named San Marcos de Apalache, the present 

St. Marks. During the same year a small 

French fort was erected on St. Joseph's Bay and 

named Crevecoeur (Heart-break), but was abandoned 

on remonstrance from the Spanish governor at Pensa- 

cola. A Spanish fort was erected on the same spot 

and soon given up as useless. 

Friendly Relations Between Pensacola and 
Mobile. At first Governor Ravolli of Pensacola en- 

Q. Give an account of Colonel Palmer's raid. What be- 
came of the surviving Yemassees? What warfare did the 
fugitive Yemassees keep up? Relate the story of Mrs. Bar- 
rows and her sufferings. Tell about the settlement of St. 
Marks. Give an account of the forts erected on St. Joseph's 
Bay. 

9 113 



deavored to drive the French away from Ship Island ; 
for a period of nineteen years after this the 
1700 Spanish and French were on the friendUest 
1719 of terms : on one occasion the starving gar- 
rison of San Carlos was relieved by provis- 
ions from Mobile, a favor which the Spaniards had the 
opportunity to return. In 1706-7 Bienville 
1706-7 aided Pensacola against a threatened attack 
of English and Indians, which, happily, did 
1 713 not come. From a letter written in 1713 we 
learn that a petty trade had sprung up be- 
tween the two towns, Mobile furnishing Pensacola 
with lumber, poultry, and vegetables. 

Capture of Pensacola by the French. But 
suddenly on the 14th of May, 1719, three French ves- 
sels appeared before San Carlos, and in its 
1719 rear a force of French and Indians. What 
May could Governor Don Juan Pedro Metamoras 
14 do but surrender? Private property of the 
soldiers or of the citizens of the town was not 
to be molested; the garrison were to march out with 
honors of war, retaining one cannon and three charges 
of powder, and be transported to Havana in French 
vessels. 

News travelled slow in those days, and thus it was 
that Governor Metamoras did not know of the decla- 
ration of war against Spain made by France 
1 71 8 in December, T718, which was announced 
several months before the colonies of the 

Q. What state of feeling existed beteen Pensacola and 
Mobile? Give some instances in which this friendly feeling 
was shown. What trade sprang up between them? How 
was this intercourse broken in May, 1719? What were the 
terms x)f the surrender? 

114 



two countries in America received news of it. As 
soon as Bienville received information of the war be- 
tween the Spaniards and French in Europe, he 
planned a sudden descent on Pensacola, and suc- 
ceeded in the manner related. 

Recapture of Pensacola. As soon as the French 
vessels arrived at Havana with the prisoners, they 

were treacherously seized and their crews 
1719 imprisoned by order of the governor of the 

city ; and, at the suggestion of Metamoras, 
an expedition was immediately prepared to retake 
Pensacola, part of the soldiers going in the captured 
French vessels. When Metamoras arrived as com- 
mander of the Spanish forces before the harbor of Pen- 
sacola, he sent in the French ships in advance of his 
fleet, in order that they might secure favorable posi- 
tions in front of San Carlos before the trick should be 
discovered. As they hove to with broadsides to the 
fort, the Spanish flag was displayed at the masthead, 
and a summons was sent to the French commander to 
surrender. Chateaugne peremptorily refused. A 
harmless cannonade followed, after which he obtained 
a truce of two days from the Spaniards, and de- 
spatched a messenger to his brother Bienville at Mo- 
bile for reinforcements ; but they never came. After 
the expiration of the truce another cannonade took 
place, and this resulted in the surrender of the French 
garrison, who were to march out with honors of war 
and be transported to Havana, there to await an ex- 

Q. Why had Bienville made the attack? What happened 
to the French at Havana? What was undertaken at once by 
the Spaniards? Tell about the trick played by Metamoras at 
Pensacola Bay. How did Chateaugne receive the summons 
to surrender? Give an account of the bombardment. 

II T 



change of prisoners. But they were not to remain in 
prison long. 

Third Capture of Pensacola. Metamoras at 
once set about strengthening his defenses. On Point 
Seguenza, the western end of Santa Rosa Island, a 
battery was erected, and named Principe d'Asturias ; 
behind San Carlos a stockade was reared, to guard 
against a land attack. Some six hundred men manned 
the various works. 




MEDIA LUNA OF SAN CARLOS. Turloft, Pensacola. 

The Spaniard's expectation was not disappointed : 

September i8th brought Bienville and a 

1719 French fleet under Champmeslin, who had 

Sept. accidently arrived at Dauphin Island in a 

18 very opportune time. Six ships composed 

the naval force, but only five were able to pass over 

the bar at the mouth of the bay, the sixth, the Hercules, 

of sixty-four guns, drawing too much water. Two 

hundred and fifty men lately from France, a large 

Q. What were the terms of surrender? Give the works 
erected by Metamoras as defenses. How was Bienville aided 
in his attack on Pensacola? Which vessel could not enter? 
Give the land force. 

116 



number of Canadian volunteers, and five hundred In- 
dians attacked the fort in the rear. At first the five 
vessels that entered engaged Principe d'Asturias, the 
Spanish fleet, and San Carlos, and were getting the 
worst of the fight, when a Canadian pilot on the Her- 
cules inspired her commander with the belief that he 
could carry her over the bar. Soon the good ship's 
broadsides battered Principe d'Asturias to silence, 
while her consorts, relieved in this direction, com- 
pelled the surrender of the enemy's fleet, which had 
run short of powder. In the meantime, the land force 
had been held in check by the stockade, but now San 
Carlos being left alone, and the yells of the savages 
bringing visions of scalping to the minds of the Span- 
iards, the garrison surrendered at discretion. Enough 
were sent to Havana to exchange for the prisoners 
there, the remainder to France as prisoners of war. 

Pensacola was destroyed ; San Carlos was blown up, 
except its magazine a half a mile away ; and on the 
ruins of the fort a tablet was set bearing this inscrip- 
tion : "In the year 1719, upon the i8th day of Sep- 
tember, Monsieur Desnade de Champmeslin, 
commander of the squadron of his most Christian ma- 
jesty, took this place by force of arms, as well as 
also the island of Santa Rosa, by order of the king of 
France." 

Six months later peace was established between 
France and Spain; and in January, 1723, 

1723 Bienville gave back to vSpain the site and 

Jan. surroundings of Pensacola, having received 

orders to that effect from his government. 

Q. Tell about the battle of the five French ships. Of the 

Hercules. What brought about the surrender of the garrison? 

What was done with the Spaniards? How were the town 

and fort treated? Give the inscription on the tablet erected. 

117 



CHAPTER IX. 

GENERAL OGLETHORPE ATTACKS ST. AUGUS- 
TINE—INVASION OF GEORGIA BY GOVERNOR 

MONTEANO. 

Trout!les Between South Carolina and Flor- 
ida. Inroads of the Yemassees into South CaroHna 
continued, if anything, worse than ever ; and a small 
fort, Fort King George, was built on the Altamaha 
to guard against their attacks. This was considered 
by the Spaniards a gross encroachment on their terri- 
tory. Consequently they addressed the British crown, 
and a conference of the governors of the two colonies 
was arranged, at which the grievances of both parties 
were to be settled ; for the Spanish complained of the 

harboring of their runaway slaves at St. 
1725 Augustine. A conference was held at 

Charleston in 1725; but the British governor 
refused to abandon Fort King George, nor would the 

Spaniard give up the fugitive servants, as 
1727 his master cared too much for their souls, 

although he was willing to pay for them. 
After this matters went on worse than ever, and two 
years later Colonel Palmer, with three hundred men 
and a band of Indians made a descent on the Spanish 
colony, pillaging and destroying up to the very gates 
of St. Augustine. For a few years after this inroad 
there was comparative quiet. 

Q. Why was Fort King George built? How did the 
Spaniards regard it? What conference was arranged? Give 
the British complaint. How did the conference end? 

118 



Founding of Georgia. In 1732 George II granted 
to James Oglethorpe and others the territory 

1732 west of the Savannah River, lying between 
the thirty-first and thirty-fifth parallels of 

1733 north latitude and extending across the coun- 
try to the South Sea {Pacific Ocean). On the 

following years a set- 
tlement was made at 
Savannah as the be- 
ginning of the colony 
of Georgia, which had 
for one of its objects 

the protec- 
1735-8 tion of South 

C a r o 1 i n a 
from Spanish interfer- 
ence. Treaties with 
the Indians gave 
Oglethorpe control of 
the country as far as 
the mouth of the St. 

Johns. A colony of cen. james oglethorpe. 

Scotch Highlanders was planted at Darien 

^735-8 in 1735, and in 1738 a company of emigrants 

settled Frederica on St. Simon's Island. Also 

1739 on Amelia Island a lookout and a little set- 

Nov. tlement of forty persons was established, but 

on the 1 6th of November, 1739, a party of 

Spaniards killed two of the settlers and mutilated their 

bodies. This was the first blood spilt in the coming 

contest between the colonies of the two nations. 




Q. Tell about Colonel Palmer. What effect did his in- 
vasion have? Describe the territory of Georgia. 

119 



Cumberland Island, too, contained a fortress built 
under the direction of General Oglethorpe. 

War Between England and Spain. When in 

1736 a Spanish commissioner demanded that the Eng- 

j^lish should evacuate the country south of the 

1736 Savannah, and it became more and more evi- 
dent that a war with Spain was imminent, 
Oglethorpe hastened to England, where he obtained 
considerable pecuniary aid, raised a company of six 
hundred men, and received the rank of general, with 
command of the militia of Georgia and South Caro- 
lina. In this latter colony five hundred men were 
raised and put in charge of Colonel Vanderdussen. 
A large number of warriors were also sent to the aid 
of the English by the Cherokees and Creeks, who had 
been won by the bold conduct of General Oglethorpe : 
he had penetrated to the interior of their country, and 
had entered into an alliance with them at their grand 
council in Coweta. In addition, a company of High- 
landers under Captain Mcintosh formed part of the 
English land force. The Flamborough, the Squirrel, 
the Phoenix, and the Tartar, each of twenty guns, and 
two sloops of war, were to attack St. Augustine from 
the sea. 

Although St. Augustine was imperfectly protected 
and poorly garrisoned and provisioned, so that a sud- 

Q. What was one of the objects of the settlement of Geor- 
gia? How far south did treaties with the Indians give Ogle- 
thorpe control? Give an account of the settlements at Da- 
rien, Frederica, and on Amelia Island. On Cumberland 
Island. Why did Oglethorpe go to England? With what 
success? What troops were raised in South Carolina? What 
Indians sent warriors? How had Oglethorpe won over the 
Creeks? 

120 



den attack might have surprised it, yet because of the 

prehminary skirmishes of the Enghsh, Governor 

Monteano received timely warning, and was able to 

complete the defenses of Fort San Marco ; 

1739 for in December, 1739, General Oglethorpe 
Dec. had ravaged the Spanish territory up to the 

gates of St. Augustine, and had attempted 
to capture Fort Piccolata and St. Francis de Poppa. 
The former of these forts, situated west from St. Au- 
gustine on the right bank of the St. Johns and oppo- 
site to Fort Poppa, was, in fact, taken not long after- 
wards in the month of January. About twenty miles 
north of the town was Fort Diego, on the property of 
Don Diego de Spinosa, and only two miles away stood 
Fort Moosa, better known as the negro fort, as it was 
erected for the protection of runaway slaves. It was 
a square structure, banked around with earth, and was 
situated in the middle of a plantation to guard against 
surprise from the Indians. A fortified line ran from 
Fort Moosa to the stockades on the San Sebastian 
River. Governor Monteano strengthened his de- 
fenses, especially around St. Augustine, in- 

1740 creased his garrison, and sent to Cuba, to 
]\Iar. Pensacola, and to Mexico for aid. At this 

time, March, 1740, the population of St. Au- 
gustine, of all classes, was two thousand one hundred 
and forty-three. 

Q. What additional land force was there? What consti- 
tuted the naval force? What was the condition of St. Au- 
gustine? How had Oglethorpe given Monteano warning? 
Where were Forts Piccolata and Poppa? Give an account 
of Forts Diego and Moosa. What fortified line? What did 
Monteano do? Give the population of St. Augustine in 1740. 
When was war declared between England and Spain? 

121 



War was declared between England and Spain 

in October, 1739, but it was not until 

1739 April, 1740, that General Oglethorpe was 

ready to march against the Spanish town, and 

I7/10 "°^ until the latter part of May were all the 

forces at the rendezvous at the mouth of the 

St. Johns. 

The Siege Begun. While waiting, the general 
busied himself by taking Fort Diego, whose garrison 
retired to St. Augustine, and by reoccupying Fort 
Piccolata, thus cutting ofT the enemy's sup- 
June I plies from the interior. On the first day of 
June he advanced to Fort Moosa, which was 
found deserted, and having torn away part of the walls 
he returned to Fort Diego. But before doing so he 
despatched Lieutenant Bryant on a reconnoitering 
tour around St. Augustine. This officer reported on 
his return that the inhabitants had been thrown into 
great confusion by his approach, "screeching and cry- 
ing", and he recommended an immediate attack ; but 
this Oglethorpe did not think advisable. 
June 6 Five days later Colonel Vanderdussen ar- 
rived marching along the shore to Point Car- 
tel, and about the same time the fleet also put in an 
appearance. Three batteries were erected : one, of 
five guns, on the northern end of Anastasia Island ; 
another, of two guns, on the edge of a piece of high, 
wooded ground on the same island ; a third, of seven 
guns, on the north beach, at North River Point, called 

Q. When was Oglethorpe ready for operations? While 
waiting, how did he busy himself? Tell of Fort Moosa. 
Give an account of Lieutenant Bryant's reconnoitering. 
When did Colonel Vanderdussen and the ships arrive? De- 
scribe the batteries erected. 

122 



According to the usual 



San Mateo. The ships were to block the mouth of the 

harbor, while Colonel Palmer was stationed at Fort 

Moosa, so that provisions from the interior 

June 20 might not reach the town. Siege of St. Au- 

24 gustine formally began on the 20th. On the 

24th the batteries opened fire on the fort and 

town. 

Affair at Fort Moosa. 

statement, when 
1740 Colonel Palmer 
was stationed at 
Fort Moosa, General 
Oglethorpe gave him or- 
ders not to remain long 
in one place, but to use 
the fort as headquarters ; 
and the Colonel did not 
obey, thus bringing on 
the disaster now to be re- 
lated. With Colonel Pal- 
mer was Captain Mcin- 
tosh and his Highlanders, 
who because of a misun- 
derstanding became in- 
subordinate, and 
June 25 refused to obey 
Colonel P a 1 - 
mer's orders. On the 
night of the 25th, three hundred Spaniards attacked 
Fort Moosa. It is hard to call the attack a surprise ; 
for early in the night a sentinel informed Colonel Pal- 
mer that he could hear the Indian war-dance, upon 
Q. How were the town's provisions to be cut off? When 
did the siege open? When did the firing begin? 

123 




OGLETHORPE'S CAMPAIGN, 174O. 



which the colonel said an attack must be expected, and 
went into the fort to rouse the garrison ; but the sol- 
diers, not regarding him, lay down to sleep again. 
About three in the morning a sentinel reported the ad- 
vance of a body of men. Colonel Palmer gave orders 
that his men should stand by their arms, and receive 
the enemy's first fire ; that then half of them should 
discharge their guns, fall back, and let the other half 
fire ; and then they would kill the enemy like dogs. 
But some Highlanders began to fire at once. Colonel 
Palmer formed his rangers in the ditch, while one 
Jones ran within to rally the garrison ; but Jones could 
not find Captain Mcintosh, and Captain McKay, half 
undressed, could do nothing. The Spaniards, coming 
on in several parties, attempted to force the gate, but 
a well-directed fire kept thm back. Finally, however, 
sword in hand, they beat back the defenders, who, as 
soon as they saw the battle lost, endeavored each one 
to save himself. Captain Mcintosh was taken pris- 
oner ; Colonel Palmer was slain — it appears by a bullet 
coming from the interior of the fort ; fifty others were 
killed, and twenty captured. The loss of the Span- 
iards was about the same as the slain among the Eng- 
lish. Whatever may have been the reason 
1740 for the disaster, certain it is that it had a 
most cheering effect on the Spaniards, who 
were encouraged to defend the castle of San Marcos 
to the last extremity. 

Q. Give the usual reason assigned for the disaster at Fort 
Moosa. What part of the force refused to obey? Why was 
the attack not exactly a surprise? Give Colonel Palmer's 
order when the enemy attacked. How was he obeyed? 
What was done by Palmer and Jones? Where did the Span- 
iards try to force their way in? Give an account of the cap- 
ture. Give the loss on both sides. 

124 



Prosecution of the Siege. Just after the siege 
began General Oglethorpe sent in a sunnnons to sur- 
render. The governor replied that by the holy cross 
"he would defend the castle to the last drop of his 
blood, and hoped soon to kiss his excellency's hand 
within its walls". It is said that the majority of the 
people of St. Augustine were in favor of surrendering 
on condition of being carried to Havana, but that Gov- 
ernor Monteano had heard in some way that the com- 
mander of the English fleet had told Gen- 
July 5 eral Oglethorpe that it was not safe to re- 
main on the coast later than the fifth day of 
July ; and so he held out. For twenty days the batter- 
ies played on the town without doing any damage. 
This was due to the short range and bad handling of 
the guns, but especially to the material of which the 
walls of the fort were built, a soft stone called coquina, 
which allowed the balls to embed themselves, but did 
not itself crumble. One hundred and fifty years have 
passed since Oglethorpe's cannon awoke the echoes in 
the harbor of St. Augustine, but the marks of the shot 
are still to be seen on the walls of Fort Marion. A 
night assault was planned, but was never carried out. 
The Chickasaw Indians deserted, as General Ogle- 
thorpe, ignorant of savage warfare, had called them 
barbarous dogs, when they brought him as a trophy 
the head of a Spanish Indian. 

Provisions Reach St. Augustine. Governor 

Q. What effect did the affair have on the Spaniards? 
What was Monteano's reply to the summons to surrender? 
How did the people feel? Why did the governor hold out? 
Why did the batteries do no damage? What are still to be 
seen on the walls? What caused the desertion of the 
Chickasaw Indians? 

125 



Monteano wrote to the governor of Cuba, "Provisions 
or I starve" ; and the English commander 
1740 knew of the distress of the town. He bent his 
energy on keeping the Spaniards from re- 
ceiving suppHes from abroad, but he did not know 
that sixty miles down the coast at Mosquito Inlet was 
a harbor where boats could carry provisions by tide- 
water communication to within a few miles of Ma- 
tanzas River, up which they could be -conveyed to St. 
Augustine. Some half-galleys in the harbor, mounted 
^ . with guns, annoyed the general much by 

threatening a night attack ; moscjuitoes and 
flies were troublesome ; sickness broke out ; and the 
batteries proved ineflficient ; but still he kept hoping to 
starve out the garrison of the fort until July 7 ; then he 
learned that vessels had been seen at Mosquito Inlet, 
and on the same day the commander of the fleet in- 
formed him that it was necessary to stand olT 
July 13 the shore, since the east winds had begun to 
blow. Six days later scouts on Anastasia 
Island sighted launches coming up the Matanzas 
River, and a party of English attempted to cut them 
ofif, but was repulsed. St. Augustine received provis- 
ions, and the siege became useless. 

Retreat of the English. Accordingly, a council 
of the English officers decided that it would 

-r 1 be best to withdraw. On the 17th the guns 

July 17 . / !-. 

from the batteries were put on board the 

Q. Give Monteano's message to the governor of Cuba. 
What point did Oglethorpe leave unguarded? How could 
provisions be brought to St. Augustine in this way? Mention 
the annoyances the English were subject to. What news did 
the general receive on July 7? What did the commander of 
the fleet tell him? Tell of the launches. 

126 



ships, with the exception of four which were buried 
in the sand. A small amount of stores was destroyed ; 
among them was some liquor that the sol- 
July 19 diers drank freely of, disliking to see it 
July 20 wasted. Two days later the ships stood out 
to sea, and on the 20th the besieging army 
marched by the walls of San Marcos, with drums beat- 
ing and banners flying; but the Spaniards could not 
be induced to come out. On the first night General 
Oglethorpe encamped at a distance of three miles, and 
from there he marched to the mouth of the St. Johns, 
whence he sailed in a few days for Frederica. 

Much ill-feeling arose between South Carolina and 
Georgia in consecjuence of the failure of this expedi- 
tion, each endeavoring to cast the blame on the other. 
The fact is that the season was a most unfavorable one ; 
the force was not adequate for the task imposed upon 
it ; the siege artillery was in no way capable of making 
a breach in the walls of the castle, and delay had pre- 
vented its capture by surprise. 

Expedition from St. Augustine to Attack 
Georgia. From deserters Governor Monteano heard 
that General Oglethorpe was preparing to return in 
the spring. Accordingly, he set about strengthening 
his position at home, and sent urgent messages to his 
superior in Cuba to give him reinforcements, which 
at last arrived in the shape of eight companies of 
infantry. In the meantime, a great fire broke out in 
Charleston nearly destroying the entire town, and be- 
sides this the colony was suffering from the heavy 

Q. What did the English decide? What was destroyed? 
How did the army march away? How was the failure re- 
ceived at home? What caused his failure? Why did Mon- 
teano strengthen his position? 

127 



debt incurred in the campaign of 1740 against St. 

Augustine. Affairs in Georgia were also in a bad state. 

These circumstances 
combined made an ex- 
cellent opportunity for 
Monteano to assail his 
English neighbors, al- 
though their Indian 
allies kept him con- 
stantly cooped up in 
his town. An expedi- 
tion was planned for 
the spring" of 1742, and 
early in that year 
troops arrived from 
Cuba ; but a serious de- 




MONTEANO'S CAMPAIGN, 1742. 



delay was occasioned by the reluctance of citizens to 
form a part of the army of invasion. Finally, how- 
ever, about one thousand men from the garrison and 
the town were added to the Cuban force, making in 
all over five thousand soldiers, who were conveyed in 
fifty-one boats, large and small. But they were not to 
find General Oglethorpe unprepared. As soon as he 
had been informed of the intended invasion, 

1742 Oglethorpe had strengthened the fortifica- 
tions on St. Simon's Island and at the mouth 
of the sound of that name. 

Bloody Marsh. On the 5th of July the Spanish 
fleet appeared off St. Simon's Sound, and forming in 

Q. What reinforcements arrived? Give the state of afifairs 
in Georgia and South Carolina. What opportunity was now 
offered Monteano? When was the attack to take place? 
What caused a delay at St. Augustine? Give the size of the 
Spanish force. What had General Oglethorpe done? 

128 



line of battle, ran in. Here they met a warm 

T , reception from the batteries on St. Simon's 

I Lily "i 

Island and from guns placed by General 

Oglethorpe on two vessels ; but after an engagement 
lasting four hours the fleet passed these obstructions, 
and proceeded up the sound. The English com- 
mander then destroyed his batteries and hurried to- 
wards Frederica to defend it from the enemy, who 
soon landed some four thousand men and advanced 
in that direction. Within a few miles of the town 
Oglethorpe met them with his rangers, and, as he says 
in a letter, completely routed them ; after which he 
posted his men under cover of a wood commanding a 
meadow through which the enemy had to pass, and 
then returned to Frederica for reinforcements'. Hear- 
ing the noise of firing, he hurriedly rode back and met 
a platoon of men retreating in disorder ; but riding 
further, he found that Lieutenants McKay and Suther- 
land had defeated a party of the enemy with great loss. 
The Spanish commander. Captain Don Antonio Barba, 
was taken prisoner, mortally wounded, and two hun- 
dred others were slain. From this brilliant episode 
the spot afterwards received the name of Bloody Marsh. 

Retreat of the Spanish. General Oglethorpe 
now marched to the vicinity of the Spanish army, in- 
tending to make a night attack; but his plan was frus- 
trated by the desertion of a Frenchman, who had ac- 
companied the volunteers. With wonderful fore- 

Q. Give the operations of the Spanish fleet on July 5. 
What resistance did they meet? Give their hirther move- 
ments and those of Oglethorpe. Tell of the rout near Fred- 
erica. Give an account of Bloody Marsh. What did Ogle- 
thorpe now plan? How was his plan frustrated? 
10 129^ 



thought the Georgia governor turned the incident to 
good account by the following trick: Selecting one 
of the Spanish prisoners, he offered him his 
liberty and a sum of money, if he would 
carry a letter to the Spanish camp to the Frenchman, 
which letter was written in P>ench and purported to 
come from a friend. The letter directed him to tell 
Monteano of the weakness of the English, and to 
promise to act as a guide, by which means he would 
be able to lead the enemy under the woods where were 
hidden batteries. Failing in this, he should endeavor 
to hold the Spaniard for three days, since reinforce- 
ments were coming from South Carolina within that 
time. With the letter concealed on his person, the 
prisoner set out for the Spanish camp, where he was 
carried before Monteano, who inquired of him whether 
he had any letter, and on his denial had him searched, 
and found the paper, the very thing Oglethorpe had 
intended. The letter worked the desired effect; the 
Frenchman denied any knowledge of the writer, but 
notwithstanding he was looked on with suspicion. 
Monteano was much perplexed ; and, fortunately for 
Oglethorpe, three vessels from Charleston appeared 
in the offing, which fact lent to the statement in the 
letter concerning reinforcements a coloring of truth. 
He determined to withdraw before it should be too 
late. Accordingly, leaving much military stores be- 
hind him in his haste, he reembarked his troops, and 
sailed off for St. Augustine, attacking on his way Fort 

Q. Give an account of Oglethorpe's trick. What did the 
letter contain? Give an account of the prisoner in the Span- 
ish camp. What effect did the letter have? How was Ogle- 
thorpe aided by fortune at this time? What showed Mon- 
teano's haste? 

130 



William on Cumberland Island, but without success. 
Thus did General Oglethorpe through his address and 
skill with less than seven hundred men baffle eight 
times as many Spaniards. 

Raid of General Oglethorpe in 1743. To have 
the last word in the dispute, as it were. General Ogle- 
thorpe in March, 1743, made a raid up to the 

1743 gates of St. Augustine with a body of friendly 
March Creeks. Forming an ambush, he rode with a 
few men close to the walls of the fort, in order 
to draw the garrison out in pursuit ; but the Spaniards 
were "meek as mice" and would not stir outside of 
their defenses. Having accomplished the object of 
his expedition, Oglethorpe then returned, going the 
whole distance of ninety-six miles in four days. 

No more direct hostilities occurred between the 
Spaniards and their Engljsh neighbors, although the 
former continued to harbor runaway slaves, and to in- 
cite the Indians to commit depredations on Georgia 
settlers. 



Q. What fort did he attack on his return? How did Gen- 
eral Oglethorpe have the last word? Give an account of 
Oglethorpe before the walls of the fort. Wiiat hostilities 
occurred afterwards? 

131 



CHAPTER X. 

CONDITION OF FLORIDA IN 1763— TRANSFER OF 
FLORIDA TO GREAT BRITAIN— EAST AND WEST 
FLORIDA. 

Pensacola on Santa Rosa Island. A' short time 

after Bienville had given up the site of Pensacola in 

1723, Metanioras returned bringing back the 

1723 inhabitants; but the cautious old governor 

did not build again on the same spot. A 




From Roberts' Florida. 

PENSACOLA ON SANTA ROSA ISLAND, I743. 

new town was erected on the island of Santa Rosa, 
where there would be comparative safety from 
an attack by land. The position chosen, for 

the insular Pensacola was somewhere near the 

132 



1743 



• site of the present life-saving station. With the 

exception of a sketch drawn in 1743 by a 

passing merchant, Don Serres, nothing is 

known of the settlement until 1754, when a violent 

hurricane destroyed the town, killing a portion of its 

inhabitants. 

Removal to the Mainland: Condition in 1763. 

The survivors moved to the northern shore of the bay, 

and began the present town of Pensacola on'a crescent- 

, ... shaped piece of land formed by the harbor 

1763 and a swamp. When the English nine years 

'^._ -1 later, in 1763, received Florida in exchange 

for Cuba, Captain Wills was sent to occupy Pensacola. 

.In his report he has left a description of the town as it 

th'Cn was. 

Pensacola was a wretched little hamlet of forty huts, 
"thatched with palmetto leaves, and barracks for a 
small garrison, the whole surrounded by a 
1763 stockade of pine posts". The woods around 
the town had been scarcely cleared away 
from the stockade, although there were a few miser- 
able gardens. Cattle were obtained from Mobile, 
which produced enough for export. Captain Wills 
speaks of five nations of Indians dwelling in easy 
reach of Pensacola. 

St. Augustine in 1763. At the time of the Eng- 
lish occupation, St. Augustine contained five thous- 
and seven hundred people, white, black, mulattoes, 
and Indians, of which the garrison constituted two 

Q. When did the inhabitants of Pensacola return? Where 
was the new town built? Give what is known of its history. 
To what place did the survivors of the hurricane move the 
town? Who has left a description of Pensacola in 1763? 
Give the appearance of the town. 

133 



thousand five Iiundred. Within the town were nine 
hundred houses, commonly two stories high, with two 
rooms on a floor, large windows and balconies and 
flat roofs, and before the doors of most of them were 
porticoes of stone arches. There were three churches, 
and a Franciscan convent, which was turned by the 
new possessors into barracks for the soldiers. The 
streets of the town were regularly laid out, built nar- 
row for the purpose of shade ; and in the middle of the 




From Roberts' not i da. 

ST. AUGUSTINE IN 1763. 

town was a square, with the governor's house on one 
side. St. Augustine was about half a mile in length, 
and was fortified by a wall and a ditch. To the north 
lay San Marcos, nearly in the condition it is now ; to 
the west was a rampart with broad ditch and bastions, 
and further ofif another line with redoubts ; near the 
town was a small German settlement ; and not far 
away on the St. Marks River was an Indian village 
and a church of freestone built by the Indians. 

134 



k 



Other Settlements in 1763. It was now nearly 
two hundred years since Menendez had massacred 
tlie French Huguenots and founded St. Augustine, 
but there were scarcely more than six or seven thous- 
and Spaniards in Florida. These were grouped 
mainly in St. Augustine. Pensacola contained only 
a few hundred. Besides these towns, ham- 

1763 lets, of a few inhabitants each, had been 
foimded at St. Josephs and St. Marks on the 
Gulf coast, and at Picolata on the St. Johns River. 

Transfer of Florida to England. In the 
French and Indian War (1754-1763) Spain was an 
^ ally of France against England. Towards 
the end of the war France saw that she was 
going to lose her possessions in America, and in 1762 
ceded to her ally Spain all of Louisiana west of the 
Mississippi, with a small section of country on the 
eastern side of that river near its mouth. In this same 
year the English Admiral Pocock captured the Span- 
ish city of Havana, the capital of Cuba, 
1763 thereby isolating St. Augustine from the 
Feb. home government, on which it was depend- 
18 ent. On the i8th of February a treaty be- 
tween the three nations was concluded at 
Paris, by which France surrendered to England all 

Q. Whence did Pensacola obtain its supplies of cattle? 
How many nations of Indians were said to be dwelling near 
Pensacola? Give St. Augustine's population. Describe its 
houses. The streets and square. Give the size of the town. 
Mention the fortifications and settlements nearby. How 
long had St. Augustine been founded? What was the popu- 
lation of Florida in 1763? Name the Spanish settlements in 
Florida. 

135 



Louisiana east of the Mississippi, except the small 
• strip ceded to Spain. England, anxious to 

Aug. J round out her American possessions, ex- 
■' ■ changed Havana for Florida. On the 7th of 

August Captain Wills of the British navy arrived at 
Pensacola, and presented to the Spanish commander 
an order for its surrender, which was promptly com- 
plied with. Transports arrived on the 2nd of Sep- 
tember, when every one, man, woman, and child left 
for Mexico, preferring not to live under protestant 
rule. The nineteenth article of the treaty had, how- 
ever, guaranteed to all who would remain the right to 
worship according to the Catholic faith, and to possess 
their personal property ; but it had also been agreed 
that those who wished to leave might do so. Captain 
Wills was left in complete and undisturbed possession 
of the town. 

About the same time Major Ogilvie received St. 
Augustine for the king of England ; and here, as at 
Pensacola, the population departed in a body, only 
five persons remaining. More of the inhabitants 
might have remained, had not the English commander 
behaved harshly towards them, which so exasperated 
them that if he had not put forth every effort, not a 
house would have remained uninjured in St. Augus- 

Q. Who were against England in the French and Indian 
War? What did France cede to Spain? Why? What cap- 
ture did Admiral Pocock make? Tell about the Treaty of 
Paris. Who received the surrender. of Pensacola? What be- 
came of the Spanish population? What was guaranteed them 
by the nineteenth article of the treaty? Who received the 
surrender of St. Augustine? 

136 



tine. As it was, the governor's fine garden was de- 
stroyed, and the people at their departure sold the 
houses and lands, not only of the city but of the entire 
country, to a few men who remained behind for the 
purpose of making the purchase. 

East AND West Florida. Owing to the size of 
the new province of Florida the English king was 
afraid to allow it to continue as a whole, and 
Oct. 3 divided it into two parts, East and West 
Florida, separated from each other by the 
Apalachicola River. The partition was made Octo- 
ber 7, 1763, as follows : 

East Florida should be the Peninsula, bounded on 
the west by the Gulf of Mexico and the Apalachicola 
River; on the north by a line running from the junc- 
ture of the Flint and Chattahoochee Rivers to the 
source of the St. Mary's, and down this to the ocean ; 
on the eastward and southward by the Atlantic Ocean 
and the Gulf of Florida, including all islands within 
six leagues of the coast. St. Augustine was to be the 
capital. 

West Florida was to include the islands within six 
miles of the coast between the Apalachicola and Lake 
Pontchartrain, and the mainland bounded westward 
by the said lake. Lake Maurepas, and the Mississippi 
as far north as th-e thirty-first parallel of latitude, 
which running east to the Chattahoochee was to form 
the northern boundary. This last mentioned river to 

Q. How many persons remained in St. Augustine? Why 
did' not more remain? What did the inhabitants do with 
their houses and lands? Why did the king of England di- 
vide Florida into East and West Florida? Bound East 
Florida. Give its capital. Bound West Florida. 

137 



its mouth limited West Florida eastward. In Febru- 
g ary of the following year, however, finding 



Feb. 



out that these limits did not include the valu- 
able settlements at Natchez and above there, 
the king moved the northern boundary of West 
Florida up to the parallel of 32° 28' represented 
by a line from the mouth of the Yazoo River due east 
to the Chattahoochee. By this act West Florida was 
made to include nearly the southern half of Alabama 
and of Mississippi. The capital of West Florida was 




Ft otn Jeffreys'" American Atlas. 

WEST FLORIDA IN 1775. 

established at Pensacola, which thus attained a degree 
of importance it never would otherwise have achieved 
at this time. East Florida was not affected by this 
second arranging of boundaries. 

Q. What change was made in the northern boundary of 
West Florida? Why? What did it include beside the pres- 
ent West Florida? What was its capital? How was East 
Florida affected by this change? 

138 



CHAPTER XL 

FLORIDA UNDER BRITISH RULE— INDUCEMENTS 
TO SETTLERS— DR. TURNBULL'S COLONY AT 
NEW SMYRNA— REPRESENTATIVE GOVERN- 
MENT—REVOLUTIONARY WAR— PANTON, LES- 
LIE AND CO.— ALEXANDER McGILLIVRAY. 

Inducements to Settlers. As is ciistoniarv with 
new settlements, pamphlets were issued in England re- 
citing the advantages of Florida; newspapers pub- 
lished letters setting forth its salubrious climate and 
extolling the fertility of its soil ; and even larger works 
with engraved illustrations appeared. Officers of the 
last war, the French and Indian War, could on appli- 
cation receive a grant of land varying from two hun- 
dred to five thousand acres, according to each man's 
rank ; privates, disbanded in America and residing 
there, would be entitled to fifty acres. These lands 
were to be held without fee for ten years, after which 
they would be on the same footing as the other lands 
of the province. Excellent roads were constructed. 
These, known as the "king's roads", are still in use, 
the one especially designated as King's Road from 

St. Augustine to Coleraine on the St. Mary's 
1765 being built in 1765 by the liberality of private 

gentlemen. Bounties were offered on indigo, 
which at that period brought a high price in London ; 

Q. What works were issued descriptive of Florida? What 
amount of land was oflfered to officers and privates of the last 
war? How were the lands to be held? Give an account of 
the "king's roads". 

139 



on turpentine, ten shillings for each barrel shipped 
from Florida, and on other commodities. 

Governor James. Grant, i 763-1 771. The first 

governor of East Florida, James Grant, arrived at St. 

Augustine in the latter part of 1763, and on 

1763 the 7th of October issued a proclamation 
1771 setting forth the advantages of his province, 

Oct. 7 and inviting settlers. For the entire period 

of his governorship he was indefatigable in 

his efforts to promote the welfare of his people, just 

, , in his dealings with them, and skilful in reconciling 

.contending parties. His faitli in England led him 

during the. Revolutionary War to imagine that five 

thousand British troops could march unmolested from 

one end of the American continent to the other 

:, through the revolted colonies, for which he received 

much ridicule. He had one fault, that of so many 

other colonial governors, the love of money. 

George Johnstone, Govenror of West Flor- 
ida, 1764-1766. Civil government began in West 
F'lorida with the arrival, February, 1764, of Commo- 
dore George Johnstone, who had been ap- 

1764 pointed as governor of that province with his 
Feb. residence in Pensacola. Settlers began to 

come in large numbers owing to his publish- 
ing descriptions of the territory ; and the town was laid 
out into streets and squares. But Governor John- 
stone lacked tact, and in consequence soon found him- 

Q. What bounties were offered? What was Governor 
Grant's policy towards settlers? How did he care for the 
province? What force did he think could subdue the re- 
volted colonies (in the Revolutionary JVaf)? Name his fault. 
Who was first governor of West Florida? How did he pro- 
mote the colony's welfare? 

140 



self at odds with the miUtary department. This disa- 
> ■ greemeiit divided the colonists into two hos- 
1766 tile camps, which rendered the office of the 
Dec. governor so unpleasant, that he resigned in 
December, 1766. A Scot by birth, he re- 
sented strongly every slur cast on that name. Grant 
in East Florida was also a Scotchman. On one occa- 
sion the North Briton having spoken sarcastically of the 
two as a brace of Scotchmen, Johnstone became so 
angry that meeting Mr. Brooks, who was connected 
with that publication, he drew his sword to run him 
through, but was prevented by the bystanders. Dur- 
ing the Revolutionary War Johnstone came to Amer- 
ica as a commissioner to endeavor to reconcile the 
colonies to the mother country ; but he rendered him- 
self so obnoxious by his attempts at bribery, that Con- 
1766 S^^ss refused to have anything to do with 

him. The lieutenant-governor, Monteforte 
1772 . 

Brown, by virtue of his office became gov- 
ernor on the resignation of Johnstone. 

Upbuilding of Pensacola. Soon after the arrival 
of Governor Johnstone, Elias Dunford, surveyor of 
the province, surveyed and laid out Pensacola into 
blocks and squares, each lot for building purposes cor- 
responding to a garden lot on the edge of the town. 
Facing the main street, named George street in honor 
of George III, king of England, was a large park run- 
ning eastward to Charlotte street, so called for Queen 
Charlotte, and in the centre of the town was erected a 
star-shaped fort with officers' quarters and barracks. 
George street was carried through the swamp back of 

Q. Give the reason for his resignation. What was he by 
birth? 

141 



the town to the foot of an eminence, which received 
the name of Gage Hill, in honor of General Gage of 
Boston fame. When Peter Chester was commis- 
sioned governor of West Florida in 1772, he set about 
strengthening the fortifications of Pensacola, and, dis- 
carding the old star-fort, had another larger and 
stronger defense built on Gage Hill, known as Fort 
George under British rule, but called St. Michael by 



' 


;/ / ^■'V.-'-v^,^_^^?^H 




M 1, \ 1 . u 



From Roberts' Florida. 

PENSACOLA BAY IN I763. 

the Spaniards after 1783. In the centre of Fort 
George was the council chamber and other offices 
where the business of the colony was transacted. 

Below the town at Tartar Point, now the site of the 

Q. Relate the North Briton incident. In what capacity 
did Johnstone come to America? Who succeeded him? 
What did Elias Dunford do for Pensacola? Give the names 
of two streets. What defenses did Pensacola have? Where 
was Gage Hill? What fort took the place of the Star fort? 
What rooms were there in the fort? Where was Tartar 
Point? What was its Spanish name? 

142 • 



Navy Yard, and which during the second Spanish 
occupation was known as Punta de la Asta Bandera, 
Point of the Flag-staff, a battery and barracks were 
erected. Two batteries, "one on the top and the other 
at the foot of the hill", were planted at Red Cliff, a 
position which has been with great certainty identified 
with Barrancas. Here were also barracks and quar- 
ters for the officers, so constructed as to be able to re- 
sist an attack from Indians. 

When Captain Wills received the surrender of Pen- 
sacola, he reported, as will be remembered, that it was 
a wretched hamlet of forty huts, and that the woods 
around it were scarcely cut away. This was now all 
changed. In 1765 scurvy broke out among the sol- 
diers, which brought to the governor's attention the 
necessity of raising vegetables. In consequence, much 
of the swamp was cleared and drained, and was culti- 
vated in gardens, which in process of time extended 
far to the westward of the town. This district is still 
free from large trees, and presents many traces of the 
cultivation of over one hundred years ago. Pensa- 
cola itself took on a different appearance, a change 
which came about during Governor Chester's admin- 
istration, and will be best described when his period is 
reached. 

New Smyrna. Of the many colonies planted in 
East Florida during British rule, the most interesting 
is one established at Mosquito Inlet by an association 
formed in London, at the head of which was a Scotch- 
man, Dr. Andrew TurnbuU. A number of 
1766 immigrants from the Bermuda Islands had 
already settled there in 1766, attracted by 
the fine live-oak growing in that region, which was 

143 



well suited for ship-building. In fact the large quan- 
tity of ship timber in Florida was considered ;by the 
British as one of the great advantages possessed by 
the province. The soil around Mosquito Inlet was 
rich and productive, and below the frost-line ; the sec- 
tion of the country was healthy ; fish and oysters 
abounded in the neighboring waters; — these,^ and 
many other features rendered it a desirable spot for a 
colony. It was imagined that the best way to develop 
its natural resources would be by means of settlers 
obtained from the counties bordering on the Mediter- 
ranean Sea, since, living in a similar climate, they 
could transplant to Florida the fruits, etc., of their own 
countries. Accordingly, Sir William Duncan and Dr. 
TurnbuU secured after the expenditure of one hundred 
and sixty-six thousand dollars some fifteen hundred 
colonists from Smyrna, Greeks, Italians, and Minor- 
^W, cans. A settlement was begun ^X^ Mosquito Inlet^ 
and named New Smyrna, for the towh from which the 
colonists had come. These were indentured. They 
were required to work a certain number of years to 
pay for their passage and support, but were then to be 
free, and to receive grants of land proportionate to the 
size of the families. 

Canals and ditches for irrigation, and other perma- 
nent improvements, among them a stone wharf, were 

Q'. Give the fortifications at Tartar Point. Give those at 
Red Cliff. What was the condition of Pensacola when Cap- 
tain Wills received its, surrender? Why was cultivation of 
the soil begun? Give an account of the gardens. What is 
the most interesting colony planted in East Florida? Who 
was at its head? Why had settlers already occupied Mos- 
quito Inlet? What did the British consider a great feature 
of Florida? 

144 



constructed at the cost of much labor and expense. 
Indigo and sugar cane, especially the former, were the 
chief articles cultivated. Everything was conducted 
systematically, and the colony is said to have been a 
success. The net value of the first crop of indigo 
amounted to three thousand dollars. 

Other Settlements. The proclamation of Gov- 
ernor Grant and the policy of the British government 
brought from South Carolina many influential plant- 
ers, among whom were Major Moultrie, afterwards 
governor of the province, and William Drayton, sub- 
sequently chief justice of East Florida. At the same 
time, in England Lords Hawke, Egmont, Greenville, 
and Hillsborough secured large grants of land, which 
were improved by agents sent out with suitable means. 
Dennis RoUe, Esq., father of Lord Rolle, set out in 
1765 with one hundred families to settle a grant of four 
thousand acres near St. Marks, but driven by stress of 
weather to seek safety in the St. Johns River, he de- 
cided to remain, and on its banks above Palatka, but 
on the eastern side, started a settlement at Rollstown 
under the name Charlottia. Subsequently, most of 
the colonists moved to Carolina, owing to the break- 
ing up of the colony on account of the bad manage- 
ment of Mr. Rolle's agents. A large plantation was 
begun at Beresford on the upper St. Johns, and 

Q. Mention the good points of Mosquito Inlet. How 
was it imagined that a colony could be best planted? What 
colonists were secured? Give the name of the new colony. 
What was required of the colonists? What works were con- 
structed? Give the crops chiefly cultivated. What did the 
first crop of indigo net? Who moved to East Florida from 
South Carolina? 

II 145 



another at Spring Garden. The Scotch settlement in 
this district removed to Georgia at the sohcitation of 
the Mclntoshes. 

Social Life in Pensacola, Governor Brown 
was to act as governor of West Florida only 

1767 until a successor of Governor Johnstone 

July could be appointed. In July, 1767, a certain 
Mr. Elliot was commissioned governor, but 
he seems never to have entered on the performance of 
his duties, although his arrival was expected for sev- 
eral years, and orders were given to have the govern- 
or's residence in readiness for his occupation. 

The post of governor at Pensacola could not have 
been a pleasant one, since the correspondence of this 
period from that town declares that "Pensacola has 
been justly famed for vexatious law suits. It is so 
contrived, indeed, that if a poor man owes but five 
pounds, and has not got so much ready money, or if 
he disputes some dollars of imposition, that may be in 
the account, or if he is guilty of shaking his fist at any 
rascal that has abused him, he is sure to be prosecuted, 
and the costs in every suit are about seven pounds 
sterling". The writer then goes on to speak of cor- 
ruption in high places, and ends the first part of his ti- 
rade : "I have known this province for little more than 
four years, yet I could name to you a set of men who 
may brag of one governor resigned, one horsewhip- 

Q. What English lords secured grants in East Florida? 
Give an account of Dennis Rolle's attempt to settle in the 
same province. Mention other settlements. How long was 
Brown to act as governor of West Florida? Give what is 
known of Mr. Elliott. What reputation does a writer give 
to Pensacola? Mention some of his further remarks about 
law suits. 

146 



ped, and one whom they led by the nose and supported 
while it suited their purpose, and then betrayed". 
Who the third governor is has not been discovered, 
although the writer, writing in 1770, before the appoint- 
ment of Governor Chester, speaks of the "late worthy 
Lieutenant-Governor". Another correspondent tells 
his friend that Pensacola had few "gentlemen, who are 
very much wanted". But these surely are one-sided 
opinions ; they have the ring of some disappointed 
litigant or dyspeptic invalid. 

Governor Chester, i 770-1781. Pensacola was 

now to enjoy a wave of prosperity greater than at any 

subsequent period of the same duration prior 

1770 to the Civil War. A new governor, Peter 

1 78 1 Chester, a man of experience and capacity, 
arrived in 1770, and at once infused a spirit 

1770 of reform and progress into the affairs of 
the territory. As the tide of revolution swept 
with increasing force over the northern colonies, the 
two Floridas, enjoying repose, became the refuge and 
home for large numbers of Tories, who were forced 
to emigrate from the revolted districts. The majority 
of refugees settled in East Florida, though many 
grants of land were made in the western province, 
mostly along the courses of streams. A large number 
of negro slaves were also imported. Commerce 
was chiefly represented by Panton, Leslie & Co., 

Q. What treatment did the governors receive? What 
class of people does one writer say was needed in Pensacola? 
How does the prosperity in Chester's administration com- 
pare with any subsequent period? Give the date of his ar- 
rival. What caused a tide of immigration to come to Flor- 
ida? Where did the majority of the immigrants settle? What 
class of people were imported? 

147 



who engaged in trade with the neighboring 
Indian tribes. We hear also of an export trade in 
pine timber and lumber, cedar, staves, shingles, beef, 
hides, fish, honey, beeswax, myrtle-wax from the ber- 
ries of the wild myrtle. Besides this source of pros- 
perity, the British government expended annually dur- 
ing the last years of English occupation two hundred 
thousand pounds in improvements, since it had deter- 
mined to make Pensacola a great naval station for the 
control of the Gulf of Mexico. A site for a navy yard 
was selected westward of the town. 

An old traveller, William Bartram, tells of the gov- 
ernor's "stone palace, with a cupola built by the Span- 
iards", and of his farm to which he took morning rides 
in "his chariot" ; but the naturalist's imagination cer- 
tainly colored and enlarged his excellency's more 
modest residence and equipage, for not even tradition 
knows anything concerning a "stone palace" or a 
"chariot". However, there were many substantial 
dwellings of wood and brick constructed at this time, 
several of which were standing half a century ago. 
But of a church nothing is said. Indeed, the only 
preacher in all West Florida during British rule was 
a German chaplain of a Waldeck regiment stationed 
at Mobile. There is one house deserving special no- 
tice, a white double-storied building on the blufT west 
of Pensacola, which the English spoke of as the "white 
house", the Spanish as "Casa Blanca". The owner, 

Q. What trade was engaged in? Name some of the ex- 
ports. Give the annual expenditures of the British govern- 
ment. What did it intend to make of Pensacola? What site 
was selected? Give an account of the governor's "stone 
palace" and his "chariot". When were some of the buildings 
then erected standing? How many churches and preachers 
were there in West Florida? 

148 



a man of wealth, and his child breathed their last here, 
leaving the wife and mother to be driven away from 
her home by the return of the Spanish in 1783. 

Representative Government. The governor of 
the two Floridas had been empowered to summon 
General Assemblies in the manner and form directed 
in those colonies in America directly under the king's 
government. Laws were to be made by the governor, 
with the consent of his council and of the representa- 
tives of the people. Until the governor should deem 
the province capable of governing itself, he was to be 
vested with the law-making power, in con- 

1773 nection with his council. In 1773 Governor 
Chester thought that the time was come for 
him to call an Assembly. Accordingly, he had notices 
distributed through his province setting forth the 
qualification of voters and representatives, as well as 
the number of the latter, the voting precincts, the time 
for holding the election, and the day on which the 
Assembly should meet at Pensacola. But the term of 
office had been unhappily fixed at three years, which 
was too long in the opinion of the people, who ex- 
pressed themselves on the ballot as favoring a term of 
one year. They persisting in their objection to three 
years, and the governor refusing to grant the single- 
year term, no General Assembly was €ver held in West 
Florida — the fault of the people rather than of Gov- 
ernor Chester, for after they had secured the law-mak- 
ing power, they could through their repre- 
_ sentatives have fixed the term to suit them- 

■ selves. The first popular Assembly in East 
Florida was held in January, 1781. Here, however, 

Q. Tell of the "white house." What power was given 
the governors? 

149 



the people forced Governor Toiiyn to give them repre- 
sentative government, as will be seen later. 

Governor Moultrie, 1771-1774: Governor 
ToNYN, 1774-1783. One of the immigrants from 
South Carolina was Major Moultrie, a brother of Gen- 
eral Moultrie of Revolutionary fame. Major Moul- 
trie was appointed lieutenant-governor to Grant, 
and on the resignation of the latter succeeded 
to the office of governor. Soon he and Chief-Justice 
Drayton, who refused to yield to Governor Moultrie 
the deference due him in his new position, were so at 
variance in matters relating to public afifairs that the 
chief-justice was suspended from office by the gov- 
ernor. He endeavored to secure reinstatement, but 
failed, owing to his republican sympathies ; and after- 
wards went to South Carolina, where he bore a con- 
spicuous part in the struggle of the colonies for free- 
dom. Major Moultrie was succeeded in 1774 
1774 by Patrick Tonyn, who filled the office of 
governor as long as East Florida remained 
a part of England's possessions. On his arrival he 
issued a proclamation olTering protection to the loyal- 
ists of the neighboring colonies who should come to 
Florida ; and it is said that considerable numbers ac- 
cepted the invitation, and settled on plantations around 
St. Augustine. 

Q. How were laws made in the province? When did 
Governor Chester call an Assembly? What notices were sent 
out? Give the cause of no meeting of an Assembly. Why 
was it the people's fault? When was an Assembly held in 
East Florida? Who was here in the opposition? Whence 
did Major Moultrie come? What position did he hold in 
East Florida? Why were he and Chief Justice Drayton soon 
at variance? 

150 



Capture. OF the "Betsey". A very exasperating 
occurrence to the authorities at St. Augustine took 
place in August, 1775. At the very mouth 
1775 of the harbor of the city the "Betsey", a Bri- 
Aug. tish vessel from London, carrying one hun- 
dred and eleven barrels of powder, was over- 
hauled by a privateer from Charleston, and unloaded 
in sight of the warships at anchor in the bay and of the 
garrison of Fort St. John. Colonel Brown, a famous 
partisan leader during the Revolution, was despatched 
with a company of irregulars and a band of Indians to 
retaliate by a descent on the frontier settlements of 
Georgia. Privateers were also fitted out, and a fort 
built for their protection on the banks of the St. 
Mary's. 

Revolutionary War. Florida was too new a 
possession, and the people had been too well treated, 
for dissatisfaction to exist such as there was in the 
other American colonies. In consequence East and 
West Florida remained quietly under British rule dur- 
ing the Revolutionary War, although Spain 

1 78 1 drove the English out of the latter in 1781. 
Many loyalists, as already seen, made their 
homes in one or the other of the two Floridas. When 
the Declaration of Independence was heard of in St. 
Augustine, efifigies of John Adams and of John Han- 
cock were burned in the Plaza where the monument 
now stands. 

Q. What became of Mr. Drayton? Who succeeded Major 
Moultrie? What proclamation did he offer? With what 
effect? Give an account of the capture of the "Betsey". 
How did Colonel Brown retaliate? Why did not the Revo- 
lution extend to Florida? 



East Florida, at the outbreak of hostilities, assumed 
importance as a basis of operations ; and the inhabi- 
tants were enrolled as militia, in addition to the ran- 
gers, who were considered as regulars. The militia 
was called out in 1776 not only to repel invasion, but 
also "to prevent any more infatuated men from join- 
ing their traitorous neighbours'' , as Governor Tonyn 
denominated the inhabitants of the revolted colonies. 
President Gwinnet of Georgia answered by ofifering 
protection to those who "would join the American 
standard, in opposition to tyranny". It would appear 
that men from Florida had joined their "traitorous 
neighbors". 

Invasion of Georgia. Just after this, prepara- 
tions were made in Georgia to invade East Florida, 
but for some reason the invasion never took place. 
The arrival of reinforcements at St. Augustine put the 
British in a condition not only to defend themselves, 
but to carry the war into the enemy's territory, and 
accordingly an expedition was fitted out under Colonel 
Fuser, of the Sixtieth Regiment, who marched into 
Georgia with five hundred infantry and several pieces 
of artillery. Attacking wSunbury, he was repulsed, and 
was compelled to retire to Florida for reinforcements. 

New Smyrna Broken Up. Two years after the 
foundation of the settlement at New Smyrna an insur- 
rection broke out on account of the severe punish- 

Q. Tell of the burning of the effigies of Adams and Han- 
cock. Why did East Florida now become important? Give 
its military force. Why was the militia called out in 1776? 
What answer did President Gwinnet make? What appears 
from this? What preparations were made in Georgia? Give 
an account of Colonel Fuser's expedition. 

152 



ment of some of its members. Several of the ring- 
leaders were carried to St. Augustine, where 
1769 five were condemned to death ; but of these 
two were pardoned by the governor, and a 
1776 third given his liberty on condition of execut- 
ing the remaining two. By 1776 the num- 
ber of colonists was reduced from fifteen hundred to 
six hundred. On this year they sent a commission of 
two to St. Augustine to lay before the attorney-gen- 
eral, Mr. Yonge, a petition stating their grievances, 
and praying that they should be released from their in- 
dentures and servitude to the proprietors. Whether 
Dr. TurnbuU was guilty of the cruelties practiced on 
the settlers at Mosquito Inlet, as they declared, can- 
not be established, as a man of his influence and stand- 
ing in the province — for it was expected in 1771 that 
he would succeed Governor Grant — would scarcely 
commit the enormities ascribed to him. However 
that may be, the petition was granted. Liberal ofifers 
were then made them to remain, but the remembrance 
of the hardships and sickness suflfered was too strong, 
and so all removed to St. Augustine, where homes were 
assigned them in the northern part of the city, and 
where their descendants still reside. To Dr. Turnbull 
the whole transaction must have been pure loss, as 
the colony was not yet on a paying foundation. 

William Panton. Among the loyalists who moved 
to Florida during the Revolutionary War was an In- 
dian trader from Charleston, William Panton, a native 
of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He came to this coun- 
try at an early age and settled at Charleston, where he 
built up an extensive trade with the Indians of South 
Carolina and Georgia. But at the outbreak of the 

153 



war with England he was driven from the colonies, 
and his estates in Georgia and South Carolina were 
confiscated. Panton then settled on the St. Mary's, 
and as the senior of the firm of Panton, Leslie & Co., 
which had an establishment in London and branches 
in the West Indies, he afterwards set up trading-houses 
at St. Augustine, at Pensacola, and at Chica- 
1781 saw Bluff on the Mississippi. When the 
Spaniards got possession of Pensacola in 
1781, they found him residing there, and conducting 
a large business from that point. Although other 
merchants came in, his firm sought Indian trade alone, 
and, this growing from year to year, in a short time 
controlled the entire trade not only of the Indians in 
West Florida but of all the tribes south of the Ten- 
nessee River. Owing to Panton's influence over the 
Indians, the Spaniards were anxious to retain him in 
the province, and made with him a special treaty ex- 
empting him from the restrictions placed upon other 
foreigners. At one time it is said the Spanish govern- 
ment was indebted to him to the extent of two hun- 
dred thousand dollars. He himself owned fifteen trad- 
ing schooners. After he became a subject 
1804 of Spain, they suffered much from the Eng- 
lish cruisers at that time preying on Spanish 
commerce. His death occurred in 1804, and after 
this the Americans succeeded in attracting much of 

Q. Why was there an insurrection at New Smyrna? Tell 
of the execution of the ringleaders. How many colonists 
were there in 1776? Give their petition. What can be said 
of Dr. Turnbull? What became of the colonists? How was 
Dr. Turnbull affected by the breaking up of the colony? 
From what country did William Panton come? Where did he 
settle? What trade did he engage in? 

154 



the Indian trade, which previously they had not been 
able to do. The firm of Panton, Leslie & Co. was 
carried on under the name of John Forbes & Co. 

Alexander McGillivray. The canny Scotch 
trader won his influence among the Indians in a great 
measure by his power over the head man of the Creeks, 
Alexander McGillivray, one of the most remarkable 
of the Indian chiefs America has produced. His 
father, Lachlan McGillivray, came over from Scot- 
land as a boy, and, falling in with Indian traders at 
Charleston, accompanied them on their expeditions to 
the Indian country, where in a few years he became 
one of the boldest of the traders. On one of his ex- 
peditions he wooed and won a beautiful Indian maid, 
Sehoy Marchand, the daughter of a French oflficer and 
a Creek woman of the powerful Wind family. Before 
Alexander was born, his mother dreamed of piles of 
papers and manuscripts, such as she had seen when as 
a girl she had visited her father in Fort Toulouse. At 
the age of fourteen the boy was placed in school at 
Charleston ; from here he was transferred to his 
father's counting house at Savannah. But Alexander 
was more fond of study than of business. So on the 
advice of friends his father sent him back to Charles- 
ton, and in a few years the boy, now a man, became a 
good scholar; but his thoughts constantly turned to 

Q. Which side did Panton take in the Revolutionary War? 
How did he afterwards extend his trade? Where did he take 
up his residence? Give an account of his firm's trade. Why 
did the Spaniards retain him? ?Iow much did Spain owe 
him at one time? Why were his schooners attacked by Eng- 
lish cruisers? Who secured a share of the Indian trade after 
his death. How was he able to gain influence among the 
Indians? 

155 



his kindred and his people. One day he suddenly left 

Charleston. The next that is heard of him is 
1776 that he had been presiding over a council of 

the Creek nation at Coweta, on the Chatta- 
hoochee. His arrival was most opportune, for 
the Creeks were distracted by the attempts to make 
them take the British or American side of the coming 
contest. Alexander McGillivray was distinctly a di- 
plomatist. The office of Grand Tustenuggee, or 
Leader of the Creek Forces, he bestowed on a French- 
man, Leclerc Milfort, who married his sister Jeannette. 
McGillivray nominally espoused the cause of the Bri- 
tish, who made of him a colonel with full pay, but 
though mindful of his own aggrandizement, he care- 
fully fostered his people ; and so when the Revolution- 
ary War ended, the Creek Confederacy was more pow- 
erful than it had ever been, for he never allowed the 
Creeks to engage in the war, except in very small num- 
bers, nor so to compromise themselves as not to be 
able to make terms with the other side. In the years 
before his death he was accused of duplicity, and fell 
under suspicion, as he had been made by Washington 
a brigadier-general with the salary of twelve hundred 
dollars a year, and at the same time he was a colonel 

in the Spanish service and their agent to the 
1792 Creek nation, drawing an annual salary of 

thirty-five hundred dollars. While at Pensa- 
cola working to reestablish his power, death overtook 

Q. Give an account of Lachlan McGillivray. Of Sehoy 
Marchand. What dream did she have? Relate the story of 
young Alexander's school days. Tell of his return to his 
people. Why was it opportune? Why did he make Milfort 
leader of the Creek forces? Which side of the Revolutionary 
War did he espouse? How did he guard his people? 

156 



him in 1792, in the forty-ninth year of his age. He 
was interred with masonic honors in WiUiam Panton's 
garden, and a wail went up from the Creek nation for 
the Great Chieftain, who "lay buried in the sands of 
the Seminoles". Well might they mourn, for now 
was their country to be filled with war and bloodshed. 

Indian Traders. Standing by the trail that runs 
north from Pensacola, one might at almost any time in 
the end of the last century have beheld a long line of 
ponies, small but hardy, a driver to every ten. These 
were the pack-horses of Indian traders. Each carried 
a load of one hundred and eighty pounds of merchan- 
dise, or, maybe, several kegs of mean rum called tafTai, 
which was drunk by the driver as well as by the savage 
customers. Every night the party camped out, and 
the ponies were let loose to graze, for there was no 
fear of the Indians, who regarded the traders as their 
best friends. Rivers were crossed by canoes, or, when 
these were wanting, by rafts made of cane or logs. 
After the wares had been disposed of, the ponies were 
loaded again, this time with products of the chase or 
of Indian industry, skins of various kinds, beeswax, 
hickory-nut oil, snake-root, and other medicinal plants, 
which were carried to Pensacola or other points, 
whence they reached the markets of the world. 



Q. Why was McGillivray accused of duplicity? When 
and where did his death take place? Where was he buried? 
Why might the Creeks mourn? What could one have seen 
at the end of the last century? Give the load carried by a 
pack horse. Tell of the encampment and the crossing of 
rivers. Mention some of the wares obtained from the In- 
dians. 



CHAPTER XII. 

BRITISH RULE IN FLORIDA, continued— "OLD 
RORY"— DON BERNARDO DE GALVEZ CAP- 
TURES PENSACOLA— BAHAMA ISLANDS SEIZED 
— RETRANSFER OF FLORIDA TO SPAIN. 

''Old Rory." During the years 1777 and 1778 a 
large number of loyalists moved into Florida from 
Georgia and the Carolinas. Among those 
1777-8 who came in the former year was the eccen- 
tric Captain Roderick Mcintosh, familiarly 
termed "Old Rory", who had been with the High- 
landers at Fort Moosa in 1740 at the time of Ogle- 
thorpe's invasion. He was now sixty-five years old, 
six feet tall and striding four feet at each step, of ruddy 
complexion, and with a head of "white, frizzled and 
bushy" hair. Though not rich, he cared nothing for 
money. It is said that he once drove a herd of cattle 
to St. Augustine, and, having sold them for gold, put 
the money in a bag on his horse, and set out for home. 
On the way the bag came open and spilled a number of 
dollars, whereupon he merely fastened the canvas, pay- 
ing no attention to the pieces on the ground. Years 
afterwards when in need of mon€y he returned to the 
spot, and picked up what he wanted. 

"He was fond of dogs. He once laid a considerable 
bet that he could hide a doubloon, at three miles dis- 

Q. What eccentric loyalist came to Florida in 1777' 
When had he been there before? Describe him. Tell 
the story of the spilled gold coins. What bet did he make 
concerning his dog? 

158 



tance, and that his setter, which he had taught to take 
his back track, would find it. Lauth presently went 
off on his trail, was gone some time, and returned 
panting, with his tongue out, but came without the 
doubloon. 'Treason'! vociferated 'Rory', as he walked 
rapidly to the place where he had hidden the money. 
He turned over the log, and found that Lauth had 
torn up the earth in search of it. A man was seen, 
some distance off, engaged in the splitting of rails. 
Without ceremony, 'Rory' drew his dirk, advanced 
upon him, and swore he would put him to death if he 
did not give up the doubloon. The man, very much 
alarmed, immediately handed him the coin, observing 
that, having seen Mcintosh put something under the 
log, he had gone to the place and found the gold. 
'Rory', tossing him back the money, said, 'take it, 
vile caitiff, it was not the pelf, but the honor of my dog 
I cared for' ". 

In St. Augustine "Rory" marched about the streets 
accompanied by his Scotch piper, both clad in the 
Highland costume. 

Once he rode from St. Augustine to Savannah, and 
in an excited manner asked his friend Cowper for 
money to pay his expenses to Charleston. With some 
difficulty Cowper learned the cause of his excitement. 
"That reptile in Charleston, Gadsden," he cried, "has 
insulted my country, and I will put him to' death." 
"What has he done?" asked his friend. "Why, on 
being asked how he meant to fill up his wharf, in 
Charleston, he replied, 'by imported Scotchmen, 
who were fit for nothing better.' " His friends finally 
prevailed on him to overlook the insult and to return 
home. 

In December, 1778, General Provost advanced from 

159 



St. Augustine with part of the garrison, for the pur- 
pose of joining the British forces on their 

1778 way from New York to attack Savannah. 

Dec. One of his captains was Roderick Mcintosh. 
Arriving- before Sunbury, oommandedl by 
Colonel John Mcintosh, "Rory", having imbibed too 
freely, insisted on going out alone, and demanding 
the surrender of the fort. In the early morning he 
advanced, claymore in hand, followed by his faithful 
servant Jim, and near the gate shouted in a command- 
ing tone, "Surrender, you miscreants ! how dare you 
presume to resist his majesty's arms !" Colonel 
Mcintosh threw open the gate, and said, "Walk in, 
cousin, and take possession." "No!" he indignantly 
replied, "I will not trust myself with such vermin ; but 
I order you to surrender." A ball from a rifle struck 
him in the face and he fell ; but immediately he recov- 
ered, and retreated backwards, flourishing his sword. 
Jim implored his master to run. He replied, "Run, 
yourself, poor slave ; but I am of a race that never 
runs." Still brandishing his sword, he backed safely 
into the lines, his face at all times to the enemy. 

Many distinguished persons in Georgia and Ala- 
bama were connected with his family. 

Disagreement and Jealousy. Owing to disa- 
greement among the officers, sickness among the men, 
and lack of supplies, an attack on Florida 

1778 proposed by Governor Houston of Georgia 
in 1778 proved a failure. The force raised in 

Q. Complete the story of Lauth and the piece of gold. In 
what manner did "Rory" march on the streets of St. Augus- 
tine? Tell the story of Gadsden's insult to his country. Why 
did General Provost advance to Savannah? Who was one of 
his captains? 

160 



St. Augustine to repel the invasion failed for the same 
reason that the Georgians had done nothing. Colonel 
Fuser, the British commander, contented himself with 
building a fort at St. Johns Blufif. Had the Americans 
made the attack, it would probably have proved suc- 
cessful, the English were weak and divided in 
counsels, and were, moreover, alarmed by the death 
of Captain Skinner, Deputy Superintendent of Indian 
Affairs, and a bold and skilful officer. 

Distinguished Carolinians at St. AIjgustine. 
After the fall of Charleston in 1780 sixty-one 
of the most respectable of the citizens of 
South Carolina were transferred to St. Augustine as 
prisoners of state.* Many indignities were heaped 
upon them, though they were paroled, and allowed 
the freedom of the city. As the British had broken 
the first parole in taking them to St. Augustine. Gen- 
eral Gadsden refused a second from so perfidious a 
power, and bore close confinement for forty-two weeks. 
The prisoners were told tales of battles lost by the 
"rebels", and were informed on high authority that the 
blood of the unfortunate Major Andre would be re- 
quired of them. "To have any friendly intercourse 
with them is considered as a mark of disrespect 
to his majesty and displeasing to me," says Gov- 

Q. Give an account of "Rory" before Sunbury. Why did 
Governor Houston's proposed invasion of Florida prove a 
failure? Why did the British do nothing? With what did 
Colonel Fuser content himself? Give reasons for supposing 
that an attack of the Americans would have been successful. 

♦Fairbanks, Htst. of Fla.. p. 230, apparently gives their names, but in 
reality gives only fifty-six. Those omitted are, John Loveday, William 
Livingstone, Dr. David Ramsay, General Jacob Reed, Philip Smith. Cf. 
Forbes, Sketches, Hist, and Topog. of the Floridas, p. 32. 
12 161 



ernor Tonyn in an official letter. Such treatment 
rather gained them friends than otherwise. 
1 78 1 Finally in 1781 they were sent to Philadel- 
phia and exchanged in a general exchange of 
prisoners. 

General Assembly of East Florida. We have 
already seen that in 1773 Governor Chester endeav- 
ored to create a General Assembly in West 
1773 Florida, but that, owing to the opposition to 
a term of three years, no representative gov- 
ernment was formed. In East Florida the governors 
had not issued writs for the election of assemblymen, 
until in 1780 public opinion in favor of a General As- 
sembly became so strong that Governor Tonyn was 
compelle'd much against his will to declare a popular 
election. The first meeting was held in De- 
1780 cember, 1780. There was no revolutionary 
Dec. spirit manifest, as the only business trans- 
acted was with reference to a constitution 
and certain local laws. The governor delivered an 
address before the Assembly congratulating it on the 
state of prosperity in the province, especially during 
his term of office. "Of late, gentlemen," he said, "the 
increase of property, from your success in commerce 
and planting, has been considerable ; and the industry 
and judgment of a few may evince to Great Britain, 
that ample returns in produce may be made for money 
laid out in raising a produce equally beneficial to the 

Q. What prisoners were brought to St. Augustine? How 
were they treated? Give the conduct of General Gadsden. 
Give a further account of their treatment. What effect did it 
have? How were they finally released? Why had Governor 
Chester failed to create representative government in West 
Florida? Tell of the General Assembly in East Florida. 

162 



planter and the mother country, in one of the most 
healthy and fertile climates upon earth." This has a 
different ring from his letter to Lord Germaine pre- 
vious to the calling of the General Assembly, in which 
he states that the cry for a legislature was as loud as 
ever, and that suggestions were thrown out that with- 
out it people's property was insecure. "But men- 
tion," he continues, "the expediency, propriety, rea- 
sonableness, justice and gratitude of imposing taxes 
for the expenses of government, they are all silent, or 
so exceedingly poor as not to be able to pay the least 
farthing." 

Prosperity in East Florida. The introduction 
of the experienced planters from South Carolina had 
given a great impulse to the prosperity of the colony 
of East Florida, under the fostering care of 
1770 the home government. Commerce steadily 
increased. During 1770 fifty coastwise 
schooners entered the port of St. Augustine, besides 
several vessels from London and Liverpool. 
1772 Florida indigo brought the highest price of 
any in the London market. In 1772 forty 
thousand pounds were exported, which besides bring- 
ing a good price earned for the owners a 
1779 handsome bounty. Seven years later forty 
thousand barrels of naval stores left the pro- 
vince, valued in St. Augustine at thirty-six shillings 
per barrel, in addition to which the government paid 

Q. When did the Assembly hold its first meeting? What 
business was transacted? Give the governor's address. What 
did he say of the people in his letter to Lord Germaine? How 
was an impulse given to the prosperity of East Florida? Give 
the vessels visiting St. Augustine in 1770. Tell about the 
raising of indigo. 

164 



a bounty of ten shillings. Among the firms conduct- 
ing a trade with the Indians were Panton and Leslie, 
Spalding, Kelsull, McLatchie, Swanson, and McGil- 
livray and Strother. The forests yielded an almost 
inexhaustible suply of timber, while the farmer raised 
for home use, or for sale, sugar cane, cotton, rice, 
oranges, lemons, figs, grapes, bananas, and pineapples. 
No better testimony for the healthiness of the climate 
is needed than the statement that, during the entire 
period of British occupation, there were but ten doc- 
tors in all East Florida. But it is proper to place be- 
side these evidences of prosperity the expenditures of 
the home government. During the last three years 
of English rule in West Florida over four hundred 
thousand pounds were spent in carrying on the affairs 
of the province. For the same period in East Florida 
the expenses were one hundred and thirty-five thous- 
and pounds, which is more than the total value of ex- 
ports from the province for the same time. 

Though the province was in a prosperous condition, 

yet Sir Guy Carlcton in 1780 ordered the 
1780 evacuation of East Florida. His order was, 

however, not carried out on account of the 
remonstrance against such a step. 

War Between England and Spain: Attack on 
West Florida. As the revolutionary war pro- 
gressed in the northern colonies, England feeling that 

Q. Give the naval stores shipped from East Florida in 
1779. Mention some of the trading houses. Give some of 
the products of the soil. What good testimony is there for 
the healthiness of the country? What were the governmental 
expenses of East and West Florida? Give Sir Guy Carle- 
ton's order in 1780 concerning East Florida. 

I6S 



West Florida was secure drew off the garrisons from 
the different forts, until by the latter part of 
1778 1778 only five hundred men remained in the 
whole province. But at this time, having 
her suspicions aroused by the conduct of Spain, she 
despatched General John Campbell to Pensacola with 
twelve hundred soldiers consisting of a regiment of 
Waldecks and two regiments of Tories from Mary- 
land and Pennsylvania. On the i6th of June, 
'7/9 1779> the Spanish minister to England, Mar- 
June 16 quis d'Almodovar, left England immediately 
after delivering to Lord Weymouth a paper 
June 19 containing a declaration of war. Three days 
later, June 19, the governor of Louisiana, 
Don I'.ernardo de Galvez, published a proclamation 
announcing that Spain acknowledged the in- 
August dependence of the American colonies. In 
August de Galvez invaded West Florida with 
a force of two thousand men, and by reason of his 
overwhelming numbers forced the surrender 
1780 of the English forts on the Mississippi River. 
March After a period of inactivity lasting till March 
of the following year, he assailed the defenses 
of ]\Iobile, which were taken, but only after a severe 
struggle, and when he had granted honorable terms to 
the mere handful of a garrison. Strangely enough, 
the Spaniard halted before attacking Pensacola, as 
he had halted before advancing on Mobile. 

De Galvez -Before Pensacola. The fall of Mo- 
bile was a warning to General Campbell to prepare to 
defend Pensacola. No help need be expected from 
Q. What was the state of the military force of West 
Florida in 1778? Why were reinforcements sent to Pen- 
sacola? 

166 



England, which was now straining every muscle to 
hold her own against her enemies in Europe and to 
sustain the war in the northern colonies. Starvation 
threatened Pensacola, until a cruiser captured several 
merchant vessels in the Gulf of Mexico. It was not 
enough for General Campbell to strengthen Fort 
George, and garrison Red Clifif with fifty Waldecks, 
but, tired of waiting for the Spaniards, he despatched 
a small force to attack a Spanish post on the Missis- 
sippi, an unfortunate move, since many veteran officers 

and men perished, who were soon to be 
1 781 needed in Pensacola. On the 9th of March, 

1781, the echoes of the Mentor's guns an- 
nounced the arrival of the Spaniards. By the next 
morning thirty-eight vessels lay off the harbor, and 
nine days later the entire fleet sailed past the batteries 

at Red Cliff and Tartar Point into the bay; 
Apr. 16 but still not deeming it not wise to attack 

de Galvez despatched a boat to Havana for 
Apr. 22 more men and artillery, which arrived on 

eighteen vessels, April 16. An attempt had 
been made to land previously, but had failed. On the 
22nd, however, the invaders came ashore, and began 
to establish camps and erect batteries. A camp near 

the town, which the besieged had failed to 
Apr. 25 surprise because of the desertion of a Wal- 

deck, the only Catholic among the English, 

Q. What reinforcements reached Pensacola? Give an 
account of Spain's declaration of war against England. Of 
her acknowledging American independence. Tell of de 
Galvez's movements. What delays occurred in his move- 
ments? Why could General Campbell receive no aid from 
England? What was the state of affairs at Pensacola? 
What expedition did General Campbell send out? 

167 



was taken by a night attack on the 25th. But the 
Spanish works went on slowly and cautiously ; and 
without the knowledge of the garrison in Fort George, 
a large fort of sand and trees was constructed in the 
woods about one-third of a mile distant. The name 
given to it was San Bernardo. 

Capture of Fort George. On the 27th discover- 
ing a detachment of the enemy at work in the woods, 

the British in Fort George turned their guns 
Apr. 2"] upon them. Firing became general, the 

Spanish opening all their batteries on the 
English fort. The garrison of the latter, being small, 

had to cease firing the first day of May, in 
May I order to take needed rest and repair their 

damaged works ; but the Spaniards did not 
attempt an assault, though now was a fine opportunity. 
Their guns sought for the magazine without success, 
till a Tory Colonel, of infamous conduct and who had 
been drummed out of the fort by his comrades, in- 
formed them of the fatal angle where it stood. 
May 8 Then after days of firing concentrated on 

that spot, on the 8th of May, a thunder-like 
explosion shook Gage Hill, and opened a wide breach 

in the walls of Fort George. General Camp- 
1781 bell coolly charged his guns, and pointed 

them to sweep the opening. He then sent 

Q. When did de Galvez arrive? How many vessels had 
he? What did he do before attacking? How many rein- 
forcements arrived? When was a landing made'-' Tell of 
the capture of one Spanish camp. What fort was built? 
How did the firing begin? Why did the Enghsh rest on the 
1st of May? What spot did the Spaniards try to hit? How 
did they find out its position? How was the breach in Fort 
George made? 

j68 



out a white flag to de Galvez and agreed to surrender 

on condition that his troops be allowed to march out 

of the breach and to stack their arms at a distance of 

five hundred paces and that then they be transported 

as soon as possible to a British port, on parole not to 

serve against Spain or her allies until exchanged. 

The Spanish commander at first refused to receive the 

surrender on these terms ; but he accepted them when 

General Campbell put on a bold front. With banners 

flying the eight hundred British troops 

May 9 marched forth, and at the designated spot 

gave up their arms to the Spaniards, fifteen 

thousand strong. 

Departure of the English from West Flor- 
ida. Just before the troops marched out from Fort 
George, formal articles of capitulation were signed by 
General Campbell, Governor Chester, and Don Ber- 
nardo de Galvez. The inhabitants of Pensacola were 
to leave the country within eighteen months, unless 
they wished to become subjects of Spain, in which 
case they would be compelled to renounce their faith, 
and become Catholics. Spain, it will be remembered, 
stipulated in 1763 that such of her subjects as wished 
to remain should be permitted to worship according 
to their catholic faith, but England did not thus care 
for the religious welfare of her people. 

Q. Give an account of General Campbell's actions after 
the breach had been made. On what terms did he surrender? 
Give the forces of the two sides. Who signed the formal 
articles of capitulation? What did the Spaniards require? 
How did the English terms compare with the Spanish of 
1763? Where did the British troops go from Pensacola? 
What agreement was broken? 

169 



On June 4, the British troops left for Havana. From 
there they were conveyed to Brooklyn to swell the 

army against Washington, in open violation 
June 4 of the agreement by which Spain was to do 

nothing to aid England against the American 
colonies. Nearly all the inhabitants left West Florida 
within the required eighteen months. 

Capture of the Bahama Islands. As part com- 
pensation for the loss of West Florida, an expedition 

from St. Augustine captured the Bahama 
1783 Islands in the year 1783. Colonel Devereux, 

a high spirited ofiticer, native of South Caro- 
lina, privately fitted out two brigs of twelve guns each, 
and, having on board fifty reckless and desperate ad- 
venturers, to whom were added a number of negroes, 
he sailed for the islands, reaching Nassau at night. 
Secretly landing his men near the fort which guarded 
the town, he rushed upon the unsuspecting sentinels, 
and without firing a gun overpowered the garrison. 
Next day by a trick he pretended to introduce a large 
body of men into the fort. Several boats were kept 
moving between it and the brigs, apparently bringing 
a number of soldiers ashore on each trip, but, in reality, 
the men returned to the ships, going to the side away 
from the town, when they rose from their concealment 
in the bottom of the boat, and were ready to be rowed 
to land again. Straw figures were set up on the walls 
of the fort and on the neighboring heights to give the 
appearance of a large army. Colonel Devereux then 
sent the Spanish governor a summons to surrender. 
When he hesitated, a cannon-shot fired over his house 
hurried him up. Too late the Spaniards found out the 
trick by which they had been deceived, and the shabby 

170 



force which had played it. The Bahama Islands thus 
became a part of England's possessions. 

Retransfer of Florida to Spain. In the midst 

of the prosperity enjoyed by East Florida, there came 

suddenly and almost without warning news 

1783 of a treaty between England and Spain, an- 
Sept. 3 nounced on September 3, 1783. Spain was 

once more to own Florida, and England was 
to have in exchange the Bahama Islands, fit only for 
a coaling station. For many years the British gov- 
ernment had been offering inducements to settlers 
from the home country as well as from her American 
colonies, and now they were all bundled out of the 

province, on a notice to leave within eighteen 

1784 months, unless they should be willing to re- 
June nounce their faith and become subjects of 

Spain. In June, 1784, Zespedez, the new 
Spanish governor, arrived at St. Augustine. About 
the same time British transports gathered in St. 
Mary's River, and, taking on board the wretched in- 
habitants of East Florida, conveyed them, some to 
England, some to Nova Scotia, some to the Bahama 
Islands, some to Jamaica. These last were treated 
with great harshness and cruelty, and were compelled 
to ask relief of the home government, which was so 
tardy in coming that many perished. Others pre- 
ferring to trust to the kindness of their old neighbors 
returned to South Carolina. 

Q. What part compensation for the loss of West Florida 
did England receive? Give Colonel Devereux's force. How 
did he capture the garrison? Tell the trick he played. How 
was the Spanish governor hurried up? What news suddenly 
reached the people of East Florida? What did England get 
in exchange for Florida? 

171 



All did not leave Florida within the specified time, 
and for their benefit an extension of four months was 
granted. For those who wished to remain perma- 
nently it was ordered that "at Natchez, and other 
places of both Floridas, where it is convenient, par- 
ishes of Irish clergy be established, in order to bring 
said colonists and their children and families to onr 
religion with the sweetness and mildness which it ad- 
vises". Some few English families remained, and all 
the Greeks and Minorcans of the New Smyrna settle- 
ment, who, being Roman Catholics, did not object to 
Spanish sovereignty. 

Review. We have seen that when Spain evacu- 
ated Florida in 1763 there were about seven thousand 
people in the province, gathered almost entirely in the 
wretched hamlet of Pensacola, and in St. Augustine. 
The twenty years of British rule built the former town 
into a handsome and thriving city, brought thousands 
of active and energetic planters into the two Floridas, 
traces of whose work still exist in all parts of the State, 
and raised the two provinces into a condition in which 
they bade fair to become as prosperous as any of his 
English majesty's American possessions. Then Spain 
overpowered one, and the fatal order came to evacuate 
the other. 



Q. How did England treat her Florida subjects? When 
did the new Spanish governor arrive? Where did the Eng- 
lish inhabitants go? How did those fare who went to Ja- 
maiica? To what State did some move? What extension of 
time was granted? Tell what was to be established for those 
who remained. What class of people remained? Give a re- 
view of British rule in Florida. 

172 



CHAPTER XIII. 

SECOND SPANISH OCCUPATION — BOUNDARY 
LINES-GENERAL WILLIAM AUGUSTUS BOWLES 
—TWO NEW REPUBLICS— UNITED STATES SOL- 
DIERS IN FLORIDA. 

Boundary Lines. Spain retained the English di- 
vision of Florida into East and West Florida ; but 

with the United States a serious discussion 

1783 arose concerning the northern boundary of 

Sep. 3 the latter province. This boundary, it will 

be remembered, was the parallel of 32° 28' 
during the British occupation. When England by 
the treaty of Paris, September 3, 1783, acknowledged 
the independence of the United States, she agreed that 
the southern boundary of the latter should be the 
thirty-first parallel. This limit was based on the char- 
ter of Georgia, given by George II, which, in reality, 
he had no right to grant, since it embraced territory 
that belonged to Spain. Spain refused to evacuate 

for the United States the portion of West 
1779-81 Florida between 31° and 32° 28', And she 

based her refusal on the ground that she had 
driven the English out of this province before the 
treaty of Paris was made, and that therefore Eng- 
land had no right to cede lands which belonged to 

Q. How did Spain divide Florida? What discussion 
arose with the United States? What right had England to 
fix the southern boundary of the United States at 31"? What 
limit did Spain claim for the northern boundary of Florida? 
On what was her claim based? How was the dispute settled? 

173 



Spain by right of conquest. This territory remained 
a bone of contention for twelve years, until 
1795 in 1795 Washington despatched Thomas 
Pinckney to Madrid, where a treaty was con- 
cluded, by which Spain agreed to fix the northern 
boundary of West Florida at the thirty-first parallel. 

Treaty with William Panton ; and with Alex- 
ander McGiLLivRAY. Left to Spain alone, Pensa- 
cola would have dwindled to the wretched little hamlet 
described by Captain Wills. But Spain saw what 
the trading-house of Panton, Leslie & Co. had done 
for the commerce of the place, and that William Pan- 
ton exercised great influence over the Indians, which 
would be an important aid in keeping quiet her sav- 
age subjects. Accordingly, he was released from the 
obligation of giving up his faith, as required by the 
Fifth Article of the treaty between Spain and England, 
and an agreement was made with him, conceding to 
his house a monopoly of the Indian trade, with sta- 
tions at Mobile, Pensacola, and Apalachee. He was 
bound to promote peace and good will between the In- 
dians and Spain. 

Through his influence Alexander McGillivray, 
Grand Chief of the Creek nation, came to Pensacola, 
and there concluded, on behalf of the Creeks and 
Seminoles, a treaty of alliance with Don Miro, of New 
Orleans, governor of West Florida, Don Arthur 
O'Neill, commandant of Pensacola, and Don Martin 
Navarro, intendent-general of Florida. The Creeks 
and Seminoles were to uphold his Catholic majesty's 
power, establish a general peace with the Chickasaws, 
Choctaws, and Cherokees, and allow no white person 
in their country without a permit from Spain. This 

174 



power was to set up trading-houses at suitable points, 
and exercise a general superintendency over the In- 
dians. 

Condition of the Provinces. Few of the old in- 
habitants of the first Spanish occupations returned. 
Their interest in Florida had been transferred to other 
homes and other countries. St. Augustine was de- 
serted by nearly all except the Greeks and Minorcans, 
and the weak remnant scarcely ventured beyond the 
range of the castle's guns. Decay and ruin rapidly 
overtook the beautiful estates scattered along the coast 
and upon the banks of the St. Johns. Depredations of 
the Indians became daily more aggressive. Just after 
the departure of the English a band of roving savages 
destroyed Bella Vista, Governor Moultrie's fine coun- 
try-seat, a few miles from St. Augustine ; which added 
greatly to the general insecurity of the province. The 
inducements held out to settlers were coupled with 
such conditions that few cared to accept them. Some 
were even driven away, as was the case with certain of 
the former English land-owners, who, becoming dis- 
gusted with the Bahamas, moved to Mosquito Inlet, 
where they were beginning to enjoy a degree of pros- 
perity, when the narrow policy of Spain compelled 
them to migrate to the free country of the United 
States. 

Q. What did Spain see in regard to William Panton and 
the firm of which he was head.'' What agreement did she 
make with him? What was he bound to do? Give a result 
of his influence over Alexander McGillivray. State what the 
Creeks and Seminoles were to do. What was expected of 
Spain? How many of the former Spanish inliabitants re- 
turned? 

175 



In West Florida the influence of Panton upheld 
commerce to some extent, and caused the rise of saw- 
mills, brickyards, and a tanyard. 

Minister Genet. When the French RepubHc was 
formed. Genet was its American minister. Relying 
on the discontented inhabitants of the South and 
Southwest, he projected a scheme for the conquest of 
the Spanish possessions of Louisiana and the Floridas. 
Large numbers offered their services, and prepara- 
tions were made in Georgia for an army to assemble 
on the St. Mary's, to make a dash on East Florida. 
At this the Spanish governor became uneasy, and re- 
monstrated with Governor Matthews of Georgia, who 
at once forbade the people of his State to engage in 
the enterprise. Washington, too, empowered him to 
call out the United States troops, if needed, to prevent 
the invasion. The scheme fell through. Genet soon 
left the country. 

Governor Folch. The first in command of the 

Spanish forces and government at Pensacola was Don 

Arthur O'Niell, who in 1792 gave up his 

1 781 ol^ce to Enrique White, and he in turn to 

1792 Francisco de Paula Gelabert, whom in 1796 
Vincente Folch y Juan superseded. Among 

1796 the first acts of Governor Folch was the lay- 
ing out of a new town, San Carlos de Barran- 

Q. What was the condition of the inhabitants of St. 
Augustine? What was becoming of the old English estates? 
Tell of Bella Vista. Why did not settlers accept the 
Spanish inducements? What is said of the settlement at 
Mosquito Inlet? Give the situation in West Florida. State 
Genet's scheme. How was it looked on by many? What 
preparations were made? How did the Spanish governor 
act? 

176 



cas,* near San Carlos, which had been rebuilt between 
1781 and 1796. But Folch could not secure the royal 
approval for changing Pensacola to Barrancas, and so 
the new town was not built. Failing here, he then 
made changes in the plan of Pensacola. 
1870 Another incident of Governor Folch's term 
of office deserves mention, which is the build- 
ing of a ship of eight hundred tons burden that nearly 
seventy-five years later was still engaged in the Span- 
ish trade, under the name Pensacola. 

Ellicott's Line. When Spain agreed in 1795 to 

accept the thirty-first parallel as the northern boundary 

of West Florida, it was stipulated that the 

1795 line should be run within six months after the 

ratification of the treaty. Andrew EUicott 

was the United States commissioner to superintend 

the survey ; Spain was represented by Major Stephen 

Minor and Sir William Duncan. Owing to 

1798 the tardiness of the Spanish force in evacu- 

March ating the disputed territory, it was not until 

the end of March, 1798, that Ellicott was able 

to begin the survey, which proved a long and tedious 

task on account of the numerous rivers, 

^ marshes, and swamps to be crossed. At 

Q. * Give an account of the actions of Governor Matthews, 
and of Washington. Mention the Spanish commanders at 
Pensacola. What town did Governor Folch lay out? Why 
did he fail to build it? What did he do at Pensacola? Tell 
of the ship Pensacola. How soon was the line marking the 
northern boundary of Florida to be run? Give the commis- 
sioners. When did the survey actually begin? 

* The name comes from "the Spanish word barranca, signifying broken, 
in the sense in which the term is applied to a landscape." Campbell, Hist. 
Sketches, etc., p. 201. 

13 177 



the Chattahoochee, which was reached in August, 
1799, the party had to halt and defend them- 
Aug. selves against the attacks of the Indians in- 
cited to acts of aggression by the Spanish 
1800 officers at Pensacola. From the Chattahoo- 
Feb. 26 chee, ElHcott sailed around the coast of 
Florida, and ascended the St. Mary's River. 
Here he met the surveyors, and completed the run- 
ning of the line, February 26, 1800. 

General William Augustus Bowles. This bril- 
hant but unprincipled man was born in Maryland, 
where he entered the British army at the age of four- 
teen. Reaching the rank of ensign, he was deprived 
of his commission because of insubordination. He 
flung his uniform into the bay at Pensacola, and be- 
took himself to the Creek country in company with 
several warriors of that tribe. Here he soon learned the 
language, became a great favorite both of the natives 
and of the traders, and married a daughter of a chief 
among the Lower Creeks. After the fall of Pensa- 
cola, where he had acted as an ally of the British at the 
head of a band of Creeks, the self-styled General Wil- 
liam Augustus Bowles joined a company of travelling 
comedians, and played for some time at New Provi- 
dence, one of the Bahama Islands. Lord Dunmore, 
governor of these islands, taking a fancy to Bowles, 
sent him to the Chattahoochee to establish a trading- 
house in opposition to Panton, Leslie & Co. But as 
he exerted his influence against McGillivray, that 
chieftain gave him twenty-four hours in which to leave 
the Creek nation. Bowies left. 

Lord Dunmore then despatched him to London 
with a delegation of Seminoles, Creeks, and Cherokees 

178 



to secure the aid of the government against American 
aggression. Returning to the Bahamas and teaching 
his Indian alhes to navigate his pirate craft, General 
Bowles began a piratical warfare on the vessels of 
William Panton. The merchandise obtained from 
Panton's vessels was carried to all parts of the Creek 
nation, and Bowles soon became so popular that he 
undertook to overthrow McGillivray, denouncing him 
as a traitor, which, indeed, he did appear to be after 
his treaty with Washington. The Great Chieftain 
seemed ready to fall, but by the aid of Panton and the 
Spanish governor of West Florida he secured the ar- 
rest of Bowles, who was sent in chains to Madrid. 

At the Spanish capital Bowles was offered magnifi- 
cent presents if he would give up his allegiance to the 
English, and further the interests of Spain among the 
Creeks. Failing to win him in this way, or by means 

of sumptuous entertainment, the king ban- 
1797 ished him to an island in the Pacific Ocean, 

where he remained until February, 1797. 
General Bowles was then sent back to Spain, but on 

his way escaped to Sierra Leone, and from 
1799 there to London. He immediately turned 

pirate as before, and when Mr. Ellicott 
reached the mouth of the Apalachicola on his way 
around Florida, he came across that gifted adventurer 

Q. What made the survey difficult? What did the party 
have to do at the Chattahoochee? Give the further move- 
ments of Mr. Ellicott. Give an account of the early life of 
General William Augustus Bowles to the fall of Pensacola. 
What profession did he then follow? How did Lord Dun- 
more employ him? Why did he leave the Creek nation? 
Where did Lord Dunmore then send him? 

179 



wrecked at Fox Point; and each was of some service 
to the other. 

Bowles joined a noted desperado, Daniel McGirth. 
These two persuaded the Indians to plunder the 
houses of certain traders, declaring that the goods in 
them rightfully belonged to Bowles. On the plea 
that the country belonged by rights to the Creeks and 
Seminoles, he endeavored to stir up these Indians 
against the United States and Spain, and, it is claimed, 
to found a great empire in the Southwest under Eng- 
lish protection. Hearing that St. Marks was poorly 
garrisoned, he made a dash on the place, captured it, 
and held it for several weeks, until Governor O'Niell 
of Pensacola drove him out. A large reward for his 
arrest, offered by Spanish officials and by Hawkins, 
the United States agent to the Creeks, induced the In- 
dians to give him up. On the way down the Alabama 
to Mobile, his captors encamped one night on the 
banks of the river ; and while they were sleeping, he 
gnawed his bonds through, took a canoe, and paddled 
tO' the other side, where leaving the boat he fled. Un- 
happily, he had forgotten to shove off the canoe ; so 
the Indian guards easily found his trail, and recap- 
tured him by noon. Bowles was taken from Mobile 
to Havana, where after a few years he died in Moro 
Castle. 

Treachery of Quesada, Governor of East 
Florida. A distinguished Revolutionary officer, 

Q. Tell of Bowles' piracy. How did he gain influence 
among the Creeks? Tell of him and McGillivray. Give an 
account of his treatment at Madrid. Of his banishment and 
escape. How did Mr. EUicott find him? Whom did he then 
join? To what did he and McGirth incite the Indians? On 
what plea did he try to stir up the Indians? 

i8o 



General John Mcintosh, and a number of famihes de- 
voted to his interest, moved to the banks of the St. 
Johns about 1794. Governor Quesada pre- 
1794 tended to be friendly, but was in reality jeal- 
ous of the respect shown to General Mcin- 
tosh. On one occasion, when the latter was on a visit 
to St. Augustine, Quesada had him arrested charged 
with designs hostile to the Spanish government; and 
despatched a body of soldiers to Bellevue, the gen- 
eral's plantation, who ransacked his house and carried 
away all private papers. He was then imprisoned in 
Moro Castle. His devoted wife, who had lost her 
eyesight, wrote several able letters to the governor of 
Cuba, and even appealed to Washington to interfere, 
but without success. Finally, after a year, General 
Mcintosh was released without trial. So disgusted 
was he with Spanish treachery that he determined to 
return to the States ; and, accordingly, he and his ad- 
herents moved back to Georgia, destroying on the way 
a Spanish fort at Cowford, opposite the spot where 
Jacksonville now stands. 

Purchase of Louisiana. We have already heard 

that in 1762 France ceded to Spain that portion of 

Louisiana which lay west of the Mississippi, 

1762 with a small section on the eastern bank near 

the river's mouth. In 1800 by the treaty of 

1800 San Ildefonso Napoleon compelled Spain to 

Q. Give General Bowles' scheme. What town did he 
capture? Give an account of his capture and attempt to es- 
cape. What finally became of him? Who settled on the St. 
Johns in 1794? How did the Spanish governor pretend to 
treat him? Give the circumstances of his capture. Where 
was General Mcintosh imprisoned? Tell of his wife's efforts 
to secure his release. 

181 



return the present. Three years later he parted with 
Louisiana to the United States. Before 
"^ 1762 the French territory had embraced what 
afterwards formed West Florida westward of the Per- 
dido River ; and so when the United States bought out 
France's American possessions, the United States 
claimed that she should also have the "Government of 
Baton Rouge" and the "Mobile district", both claimed 
by Spain as a part of West Florida. This latter power 
maintained with great show of reason that as she had 
never received the two districts from France, but had 
conquered them from England, they could not be con- 
sidered a part of Louisiana, and consequently France 
could not sell them to the United States. 

By the "Government of Baton Rouge" was meant 
the country lying south of 31°, and included between 
the Pearl River on the east and the Mississippi and 
Bayou Iberville on the west and south. The governor 
of this district was Don Carlos de Grandpre. "Mo- 
bile district" also lay south of 310, and was 

1809 bounded on the west by the Pearl, on the east 

by the Perdido, and the Gulf of Mexico 

washed its southern shore. In 1809 Governor Folch 

left Pensacola to take command at Mobile, the capital 

of "Mobile district". 

Naming the Streets of Pensacola. It is inter- 
esting to find that in the names of Pensacola's streets 

Q. Give an account of General Mcintosh's release and 
return to Georgia. What did Spain receive from France in 
1762? Relate the return to France and sale to the United 
States. Why did the latter claim West Florida west of the 
Perdido? What two districts was it divided into? What 
did Spain give as her reason for retaining the disputed terri- 
tory? What was the "Government of Baton Rouge"? 

182 



her citizens liave recorded their patriotic liove for 
the Spain which rose as one man to cast 
off the yoke imposed on her by Napoleon in 
1808. Zaragoza, Baylen, Alcaniz, Tarragona, Pala- 
fox, Romana, recall thrilling sieges, bloody battle- 
fields, heroic leaders, of the great "Peninsula cam- 
paign". 




WEST FLORIDA IN 1810. 



Governors of the Two Floridas. In West 
Florida Governor Folch was succeeded in 1809 by 
his son-in-law, Don Francisco Maximiliano 
de Saint Maxent, who acted as governor 
until July, 1812. Mauricio Zuniga followed 
until May of the next year, when Mateo Gur- 
zalez Maurique was commissioned in his 
stead. Enrique White became governor of 
East Florida in 1803, a man with deep preju- 
dices against Americans. Nine years later 
we find Colonel Estrada acting as governor 
until the arrival in June of Governor Kinde- 
lan. 

Republic of West Florida. The contention of 
Spain that the "Government of Baton Rouge" and the 
"Mobile District" were not included in Louisiana was 
upheld by the French view of the case. But the United 
States stoutly insisted on her side of the question, and 

183 



1809 
1812 
July 

1813 
May 

1803 

1812 

June 



carried on negotiations for several years without avail. 
Finally, when Spain was occupied in fighting Napo- 
leon, the people of the "Government of Baton Rouge", 
aided by Americans, threw ofif her yoke, and declared 
themselves a free and independent State under the 
title "Republic of West Florida", with a constitution 
similar to that of the United States. A petition was 
sent to Washington praying to be admitted 
1810 into the Union. And after an existence of 
Oct. 27 one month, the "Republic of West Florida" 
was annexed to Louisiana, October 2^, 1810. 

"Mobile District." In revenge for cruel treat- 
ment received from the Spaniards, the Kemper 
brothers, shortly after the organization of the "Re- 
public of West Florida", raised a body of troops for 
the purpose of taking Mobile, which was at this time 
under the command of Governor Folch. The news 
of the invasion so frightened the governor that he 
offered to surrender to the authorities at Washington. 
But the Kemper expedition came to grief. A number 
of the men were captured and sent to Havana to be 
immured in Moro Castle ; and, besides, the Federal 
authorities despatched troops to Mobile to assist the 
Spanish in the defense. 

After the United States declared war against Eng- 
„ land in 1812, fearing to leave the "Mobile 

I812 ,..„., * . r f- • 

^ ^ district m the possession of Spam, a secret 

ally of England, she ordered General Wil- 

Q. What was "Mobile district"? Where did Pensacola 
get the names of many of her streets? Name some of them. 
Mention the governors of West Florida. Give those of East 
Florida. How was Spain upheld by France? Give the 
United States' course of action. 

184 - . 



kinson to occupy it with a force from New Or- 
leans. Accordingly, with six hundred men 
1813 he sailed to Mobile, and after a short parley 
April succeeded in inducing the Spanish command- 
13 ant to surrender and retire to Pensacola. 
This was April 13, 1813. 

Fernandina. After the President of the United 
States (Jefferson) had forbidden intercourse with for- 
eign countries, Fernandina, on Amelia Island, and 
not far from the Georgia border, became not 
1808 long after its occupation by the Spaniards in 
1808 a port of free entry for foreign vessels, 
1812 and in consequence as many as one hundred 
and fifty square-rigged ships in its harbor at 
one time was no unusual occurrence. In 1812 its 
population numbered about six hundred. 

Republic of Florida. Recognizing that England 
would be likely to seize Florida to make of it a basis 

of operation during the coming war, Presi- 
1811 dent Madison in 181 1 appointed Cblonel 

John McKee and General Mathews, of 
Georgia, commissioners to negotiate with the Spanish 
authorities of Florida a friendly cession of the pro- 
vinces, or if need be, fix a date for their return. If 
successful, they were to establish a provisional govern- 
ment. In case of failure, Congress, which was sit- 
ting in secret session at the passage of the bill author- 

Q. Give an account of the rise of the "Republic of West 
Florida". Tell of its annexation to the United States. What 
expedition did the Kempers organize? What was done by 
Governor Folch? What became of the expedition? Why 
did the United States desire to occupy the "Mobile district"? 
Tell of Wilkinson's expedition. 

i8s 



izing the President to act, declared that forcible pos- 
session should be taken, if there should be any reason 
to suppose a foreign power intended to seize the Flor- 
idas. In spite of every precaution to prevent these 
negotiations from getting abroad, the plans of the 
United States became generally known. 
1812 Many of the Georgia frontiersmen were anx- 
ious to make a descent on Florida, and con- 
gregated on the banks of the St. Mary's. Here they 
united with the border settlers on the opposite side of 
the river, with whom they formed an independent 
"Republic of Florida". General John H. Mcintosh 
was elected president of the new republic, and Colonel 
Ashley, military chief. 

Capture of Fernandina. Having determined to 
occupy Fernandina and Amelia Island, General Ma- 
thews sent nine warships into Fernandina harbor, on 
the pretense of protecting American shipping. He 
also made use of the patriot forces of the "Republic of 
Florida", who under Colonel Ashley approached the 
town in boats and sent to the commander, Don Jose 
Lopez, a summons to surrender. Don Jose 
181 2 beholding the guns of nine ships of war 
March trained on the town ready to back the de- 
17 mands of the patriots, had no escape from 
surrendering. On the seventeenth day of 
March, 1812, the articles of capitulation were signed. 

Q. Give the Embargo Act in its relation to Fernandina. 
What was that city's population in 1812? Why did Presi- 
dent Madison appoint McKee and Mathews as commission- 
ers? In case of failure, what was to be done? When the 
government's plans became known, what course did the 
Georgia frontiersmen pursue? Give the officers of the new 
republic. 

186 



I f 



According to the Fifth Article Fernandina was 
to remain a free port of entry for all vessels, 
Q but, in case of war between the United States 
, J and England, ships of the latter country 

should not enter after May i, 1813. 
Expedition Against St. Augustine. On the day 
after the surrender Lieutenant Ridgeley of the United 
States Army was put in command of the patriot force. 
Colonel Ashley was then despatched with three hun- 
dred men in the direction of St. Augustine, and pitched 
his camp at Fort Moosa, two miles distant, where he 
was joined by one hundred regulars under Colonel 
Smith. William Craig, one of the former Spanish 
judges, was here made commander in place of Colonel 
Ashley. The acting governor of East Florida, 
Colonel Estrada, feeling unable to attack the patriots 
in open field, placed several cannon on a schooner, 
from which he opened fire on the camp at Fort Moosa, 
and thus compelled the invaders to retire to Pass Na- 
varro, a mile further away. Soon afterwards the ma- 
jority withdrew beyond the St. Johns, leaving only a 
small guard at the Pass. 

When the Spanish minister at Washington received 
information of these proceedings on the part of the 
United States forces, he remonstrated against the in- 
vasion of the territory of a friendly power. The British 
minister joined him in the remonstrance. General 

Q. Give an account of General Mathews' proceedings. 
Why did the commander of Fernandina surrender without a 
fight? What did the fifth article of the surrender stipulate? 
Who took command of the patriot forces? Tell of the camp 
at Fort Moosa. Who succeeded Colonel Ashley? Relate 
the means employed by Colonel Estrada to rid himself of 
the invaders. Give their movements. 

187 



Mathews, the President declared, had gone beyond 
his instructions; he was therefore removed and his 
place filled by Governor Mitchell of Georgia, who had 
orders to restore the condition of afifairs before the 
invasion and assist Governor Estrada in securing 
order. 

"Twelve-mile Swamp." The guard left by the 
patriots at Pass Navarro suffered much from sickness, 
and it became necessary to send a number of the men 
back to the "republic". As these invalids were on 
their way under the charge of a United States officer. 
Lieutenant Williams, a party of negroes from St. 
Augustine fired on them from ambush at the Twelve- 
mile Swamp, and killed and wounded several officers 
and privates. A charge of the soldiers routed the 
negroes. Governor Mitchell at once ordered an ex- 
pedition against St. Augustine. In the 

1 812 meantime, however. Governor Kindelan ar- 

June rived, and immediately demanded the with- 
drawal of Colonel Smith and his men, who, 
accordingly retired to Davis Creek on the King's 
Road. 

War with Bowlegs and King Payne. In 1750 

a band of Creeks with their chief Secofifee migrated to 

the Alachua district. His two sons, King 

1 81 2 Payne and Bowlegs, about 181 2, began to be 

troublesome because of their depredations on 

the planters, driving ofT cattle, and stealing slaves ; 

Q. What remonstrance did the Spanish minister make? 
How did the President act? Give Governor Mitchell's 
orders. How did the men at Pass Navarro fare? Give an 
account of the ambuscade. What became of the camp? 
What migration of Indians did Secoffee lead? How did 
Payne and Bowlegs prove troublesome? 

188 



and were preparing to raid into Georgia. This in- 
fluenced Colonel Newman to carry the war into 
King Payne's country. With only one hundred and 
ten patriots he marched one hundred miles through 
in an almost unknown territory, until on the third day 
near Lake Pithlachocco, a few miles from Payne's 
town, the two brothers and one hundred and fifty fol- 
lowers suddenly attacked them from a thick ham- 
mock, where they were safe from the return fire. But 
a feigned flight drew them out. King Payne fought 
gallantly from his powerful white charger, and fell 
mortally wounded. The Indians then retired, but re- 
turned under Bowlegs about sunset, and with fright- 
ful yells advanced up to the breastworks that had been 
hastily erected. Several such charges were made be- 
fore they finally gave up. On the night of the eighth 
day the troops began a silent march, carrying the 
wounded on litters, but they had not proceeded far 
when they were overtaken by Bowlegs with fifty 
Seminoles. A charge routed these. Breastworks 
were again constructed, and messengers sent for re- 
lief, which arrived in the shape of sixteen horsemen, 
after the company had subsisted for several days on 
two alligators that had been taken by a foraging 
party. In two days all reached Piccolata. Though 
King Payne's death put a stop to the preparations for 
war, small bands continued to burn and plunder. The 
patriots retaliated on the Spanish settlers, so that in a 

Q. On what did Colonel Newman determine? Give the 
march of Colonel Newman. Describe the fight. Tell about 
the retreat of the patriots. How were they relieved? On 
what had they lived for several days? Give the state of 
affairs in East Florida. 

189 



short time there was scarcely a house in East Florida 
that had not been ransacked or burned. 

Withdrawal of the United States Troops. 
About 1 812 a party of Georgians under General Har- 
ris, carrying a surveyor, penetrated to the Alachua dis- 
trict, where they were all murdered by a roving band 
of savages. The surveyor's notes, conveyed to George 
I. F. Clarke, surveyor-general for the Spanish gov- 
ernment, formed the basis for the future land grants 
in Alachua and Marion counties. 

Governor Mathews was superseded by General 
Pinckney, but no further operations were carried on, 
although East Florida was virtually a conquered pro- 
vince. The Spanish planters finally gave up 

1813 in despair, and, leaving their plantations, 
moved to St. Augustine. However, a meas- 
ure of relief came in the spring of 1813 in the removal 
of the American troops. 



Q. Relate the fate of the party of Georgians who went to 
the Alachua district. What became of the suryeyor's notes? 
What did the Spanish planters finally do? How did a meas- 
ure of relief come? 

190 



CHAPTER XIV. 

WAR OF 1812— TECUMSEH'S VISIT TO THE CREEKS 
AND SEMINOLES— PERCY AND NICHOLLS— 
JACKSON AT PENSACOLA. 

Tecumseh's Visit to the Creeks and Seminoles. 
In the spring of 1812 Tecumseh, the great Shawnee 

chief, was despatched by the British of Can- 
181 2 ada to the Southern Indians for the purpose 

of inciting them to war against the American 
Oct. frontier settlements. Among the Seminoles 

he met with success owing to the hostility 
already existing. In October he passed through the 
Creeks on his way north, and visited their grand coun- 
cil which was then being held by the Creek agent. 
Colonel Hawkins, at Tookabatcha, on the Tallapoosa. 
Tecumseh appeared each day in the assembly, but re- 
fused to deliver his "talk" till Colonel Hawkins had 
departed. Then he burst forth in a torrent of fiery 
eloquence for which he was famous, and exhorted his 
hearers to return to the ways of their ancestors, not 
to adopt the civilization of the white man. A prophet 
accompanying Tecumseh spoke next, declaring that 
the Great Spirit would not allow harm to any Indian 
who should engage in war on the pale-face Americans, 

Q. Why was Tecumseh sent to the southern Indians? 
Why was he successful among the Seminoles? Give an ac- 
count of his behavior at Tookabatcha. What did he exhort 
his hearers to do? What did the prophet declare? What had 
the British told him? 

191 



whom the earth would open and swallow, and that 
they should see the arm of Tecumseh stretched out in 
the clear heavens. The British had told him of a 
comet that was to appear, in order that he might de- 
lude the southern Indians. Many new prophets were 
inspired among the Creeks, one of them being the 
famous prophet Francis. 

Tecumseh travelled to all parts of the nation, and 
met with much success, although the Big Warrior re- 
fused to take up arms. In his wrath the Shawnee chief, 
standing before him, cried, "You do not believe the 

Great Spirit has sent me. 
You shall believe it. I will 
leave directly, and go 
straight to Detroit. When 
I get there I will stamp 
my foot upon the ground, 
and shake down every 
4iu\Hp^^^^as^nH^^p .house in Tookabatcha". 

The common Indians be- 
lieved every word of this, 

GEN. ANDREW JACKSON. j i i1 1 

and when an earthquake 
did come after the departure of Tecumseh, they ran 
out of their houses, shouting, "Tecumseh has got to 
Detroit ! Tecumseh has got to Detroit ! We feel 
the shake of his foot". 

The Creek Nation Goes to War. After the de- 
parture of Tecumseh, those who had accepted his 
"talk" began to dance "the dance of the lakes", which 
he had taught them. British agents at Pensacola fur- 
nished them with arms. Civil war broke out in the 
nation, since the war party regarded the others as 
traitors, and thought that if they could put the Big 

192 




Warrior and other influential chiefs out of the way, it 
would be an easy matter to rouse the whole nation to 
war against the American settlements. The Federal 
troops were called in. Fort Minis above Mobile, 
filled with women and children, was taken by surprise 
by a thousand Creek warriors led by one William 
Weatherford, a nephew of General Alexander McGil- 
livray, and though Weatherford himself opposed it, 
every person without distinction of age or sex was 
murdered and scalped. General Andrew Jackson 
now took the field, marching from Tennessee. In a 
series of battles culminating with the bloody fight at 
Horse Shoe Bend, he so completely whipped the 
Creek warriors that they never rallied for any serious 
engagement thereafter. Hundreds of them 

1814 fled to the swamps of Florida; others to Pen- 
Aug. 9 sacola, where they joined the British stan- 
dard. Peace was made with the remnant of 
the Creek nation at Fort Jackson, August 9, 1814. 

This war is often spoken of as the war of the "Red 
Sticks", because Tecumseh gave to the warriors who 
engaged in it a small red stick. 

Surrender of Weatherford. The surrender of 
Weatherford is so interesting, that it deserves to be 
related. Jackson had directed that he should be cap- 
tured at all hazards ; but Weatherford resolved to sur- 
render voluntarily. As he approached the general's 
tent, the latter came running out, and exclaimed in a 

Q. What famous prophet was inspired? Tell what Te- 
cumseh said to the Big Warrior. How did the earthquake 
affect the common Indians? What dance did the Creeks 
begin? Where did they obtain arms? Why did some wish 
to put the Big Warrior out of the way? Tell about Fort 
Mims. Who now took the field against the Indians? 
14 193 



furious manner : "How dare you, sir, to ride up to my 
tent, after having murdered the women and children 
at Fort Mims!" Weatherford rephed : "General 
Jackson, I am not afraid of you. I fear no man, for 
I am a Creek warrior. I have nothing to request in 
behalf of myself; you can kill me, if you desire. But 
I come to beg you to send for the women and children 
of the war party, who are now starving in the woods. 
Their fields and cribs have been destroyed by your 
people, who have driven them to the woods without an 
ear of corn. I hope that you will send out parties, 
who will safely conduct them here, in order that they 
may be fed. 1 exerted myself in vain to prevent the 
massacre of the women and children at Fort Mims. 
I am now done fighting. The Red Sticks are nearly 
all killed. If I could fight you any longer, I would 
most heartily do so. Send for the women and children. 
They never did you any harm. But kill me, if the 
white people want it done." 

Many of the persons gathered around the tent ex- 
claimed, "Kill him! Kill him! Kill him!" But 
General Jackson, in an emphatic tone, said, "Any man 
who would kill as brave a man as this would rob the 
dead". Weatherford's life was spared, and he after- 
wards became an excellent citizen of Alabama. 

Q. Tell of Jackson's campaign. Where did the Creeks 
flee? Why is this war spoken of as the war of the "Red 
Sticks"? What orders had General Jackson given concern- 
ing Weatherford? What did Jackson do when Weatherford 
came in to surrender? What did Weatherford say concern- 
ing himself? of the Creek women and children? of his own 
efforts at Fort Mims? Give the remainder of his speech. 
Give Jackson's reply to those who wished to kill him. What 
became of him? 

194 



British at Pensacola. Spain was at this time 
weak, as well as hostile towards the United States, 
so that she could not prevent the English from using 
Pensacola and Apalachicola Bay as points from which 
to supply the Creeks with arms, and as posts at which 
to rally the defeated Red Sticks. Jackson kept him- 
self well informed through spies of these operations, 
but his remonstrance met with a denial from Mau- 
rique. the governor at Pensacola, who at the same 
time justified British occupation by treaties which the 
latter had made with the Indians years before. 

In August, 1814, after General Jackson had gone 
to Mobile, a British fleet of four ships, with two ten- 
ders, under the command of Captain William 

1 814 Henry Percy, came into Pensacola Bay. On 
Aug. board were two or three hundred marines, 
commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Edward 
Nicholls. The feeble Maurique handed over to Percy 
and Nicholls San Carlos, the battery on Santa Rosa 
Island, and Fort St. Michael, over which the English 
flag was once more hoisted. These commanders and 
a certain Captain Woodbine drilled Red Sticks in Bri- 
tish uniform on the streets of Pensacola. A bounty 
of ten dollars was ofifered for every scalp, and 

1814 a proclamation was issued, calling on the citi- 
zens of Kentucky and Louisiana to join the 
standard of their forefathers or remain neutral. 



Q. What places in Florida did England make use of? 
Why did not Spain prevent her? How did Governor Mau- 
rique answer Jackson's protest? What British force came 
into Pensacola Bay? What did Maurique hand over to 
Percy and Nicholls? What bounty was ofifered? What 
proclamation was issued? 

195 



Attack on Fort Bowyer. The first operation of 
Percy and Nicholls was an attack on Fort Bowyer at 
Mobile Point, preparatory to an attempt on Mobile 
itself. A force of Indians and British assailed the 
post from the rear, while two brigs came into 
Sept. position before it, and opened fire from the 
13, 15 bay. On the 13th and again on the 15th 
the garrison gallantly drove back the enemy, 
and on the latter date destroyed Captain Percy's flag- 
ship, the Hermes; upon which the British gave up the 
fight and retired. 

Jackson Moves on Pensacola. Before th€ attack 
on Fort Bowyer General Jackson wrote from Mobile 
to Governor Maurique expostulating with him for 
allowing the English forces to occupy the fortifications 
of Pensacola. But the governor answered in an in- 
sulting manner "that Jackson should hear from him 
shortly". Pensacola now losing all claim to neu- 
trality, the American general decided to advance upon 
it without delay, and drive out the British. 
Oct. Accordingly, he left Mobile for the upper 
country, where by the last of October he 
arranged for supplies and gathered his men, three 
thousand strong, augmented by a band of friendly 
Choctaws. The line of march lay over the 
Nov. 6 old Indian trail that runs north from Pensa- 
cola. By the 6th of November Jackson 

Q. Give the first operation of Percy and Nicholls. Give 
an account of the attack on Fort Bowyer. For what did Jack- 
son expostulate with Maurique? Give Maurique's answer. 
What did Jackson decide to do? How large was Jackson's 
force? What was the line of march? Tell what was done 
when Jackson arrived. 

196 



pitched his camp within a mile and a half of the Span- 
ish fortifications, and despatched Major Pierre with a 
flag of trnce ; hnt that ofificer was fired on as he ap- 
proached Fort St. Michael. Afterwards, Major Pierre 
succeeded in carrying to Maurique a sum- 

1814 mons to surrender to the Americans until 

a suf^cient Spanish force should arrive to he 

able to preserve neutrality. The governor refused. 

Capture of Pensacola. Reconnoitering to find 
out the enemy's position and number, Jackson at once 
formed his plan of attack. Captain Denkins with a 
small force occupied old San Bernardo, which was 
once more pitted against its ancient antagonist. Dur- 
ing the night the general marched the remainder of his 
troops around the town, and in th^e morning advanced 
from the east, drove the Spaniards from the two bat- 
teries which opposed his progress, and received a sur- 
render at discretion from Maurique, who advanced to 
meet him, carrying a flag of truce. As the troops 
marched down the main street British marines fired 
on them from boats, but a brisk answer in the shape 
of several volleys compelled them to take refuge on 
their ships. 

In the evening the battery on Santa Rosa Island 
was blown up. Captain Sotto in command of Fort 
St. Michael refused at first to give up the 
Nov. 8 fort according to Maurique's inistructionjs, 
but preparations for an assault quickly 
brought him to terms. Next morning Jackson was 
making preparations for an attack on San Carlos, or 
Barrancas, which the governor refused to surrender, 
when a tremendous explosion was heard in that di- 
rection, announcing, as was afterwards learned, the 

197 



destruction of the fortress, and the departure of the 

British. To make sure, the general despatched a 

company of soldiers, who returned in the evening and 

reported that the information was correct. 

Nov. 9 On the 9th, having blown up Fort St. 

181 5 Michael, General Jackson set out for New 

Jan. 8 Orleans, where on January 8, 1815, he was to 

fight the glorious Battle of New Orleans. 

Fort on the Apalachicola. Along with Percv 

and Nicholls went their Indian allies and one hundred 

negroes belonging to the Spanish inhabitants 

1814 of Pensacola. The two conmianders con- 
veyed them to the Apalachicola, where they 
built for them a strong fort on the spot occupied at a 
later date by Fort Gadsden, in order that it might be a 
])lace of refuge for runaway negroes and the fugitive 
Red Sticks. Two large magazines were constructed 
and filled with ammunition, and three thousand stand 
of small arms were deposited there for the arming of 
the Indians and negroes for a war of extermination on 
the frontier settlements of southern Georgia and Ala- 
bama. 

Major Blue Clears West Florida of Hostile 
Indians. Between the capture of Pensacola and the 
Battle of New Orleans, Major Blue scoured the coun- 
try around the Perdido River and Escambia and the 

Q. How long was the surrender of Pensacola to last? 
How did Maurique receive the summons? What fort was 
occupied? Give Jackson's movements. What did Maurique 
do? What became of the British? What battery was blown 
up? How was Captain Sotto brought to terms? Why did 
not the Americans attack San Carlos? What fort did Jack- 
son blow up? 

198 



other bays of West Florida, killing and capturing 
manv of the refugee Creeks. Those who were cap- 
tured were sent with their wives aiid children to Fort 
Montgomery. This expedition is a good example of 
the way the white man used the Indian to destroy 
the Indian, for with Major Blue were Choctaws, Chic- 
asaws, and Creeks. 



Q. Where did the American commander go? Who went 
with Percy and Nicholls? What fort did the English build? 
For what was it to be a place of refuge? What further was 
done there? What work was performed by Major Blue? 
Of what is this expedition a good example? 

199 



CHAPTER XV. 

REPUBLIC OF FLORIDA— SEMINOLE WAR— JACK- 
SON INVADES THE FLORIDAS— ARBUTHNOT 
AND AMBRISTER— SECOND CAPTURE OF PEN- 
SACOLA— PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT— RES- 
TORATION TO SPAIN. 

"Republic of Florida." It will be remembered 
that in 1812 the district between the St. Johns and St. 
Mary's Rivers was organized into a "Republic of 
Florida". The region below the latter river had long 
been a refuge for worthless and desperate 
1816 characters from Georgia; and as the new re- 
Aug. public could enforce no restraint on its mem- 
bers, anarchy and licentiousness ruled un- 
checked. Even the honest, it is said, were forced to 
protect themselves by turning rogues. At last, in 
August, 1816, George 1. F. Clarke, who has been men- 
tioned as surveyor-general of East Florida, proposed 
to the newly arrived Governor Coppinger a plan to 
bring the republican district again under Spanish rule, 
and reestablish order. The scheme was approved. 
Mr. Clarke met some forty of the patriots, and ap- 
pointed a time for a general meeting to be held at 
Waterman's Bluff. On the day appointed, having 
drawn up a code of laws, he went to the place of meet- 
ing, where he found several hundred men assembled. 

Q. What was the "Republic of Florida"? What was the 
condition of affairs in the "Republic"? What plan did 
George I. F. Clarke propose? What did he then do? Who 
were assembled to meet him? 



"I tendered them," he says, "a distribution into three 
districts of all the territory lying between St. Johns 
River and St. Mary's, with a magistrate's court and a 
company of militia in each ; and those to be called 
Nassau. Upper and Lower St. Mary's; an election of 
officers from the mass of the people in each, without 
allowing the candidates to ofTer themselves ; that the 
officers to be elected should be immediately commis- 
sioned to enter on the functions of their offices ; and 
that all the past should be buried in total oblivion." 
"These propositions were received by a general ex- 
pression of satisfaction" ; and in a few hours the new 
government was organized and furnished with magis- 
trates. Governor Coppinger afterwards appointed 
Mr. Clarke general supervisor of the three districts. 

For five years this section of East Florida was the 

best regulated and most prosperous part of the whole 

province. But in 1821 the government at 

1 82 1 St. Augustine having united the three dis- 
tricts into one and joined them to East Flor- 
ida with a central government in the city just men- 
tioned, the inhabitants considered that their consti- 
tutional rights had been interfered with, and peti- 
tioned the government ; but before anything could be 
accomplished Spain parted with her Florida posses- 
sions to the United States. 

Destruction of Fort on the Apalachicola. 
Even after the close of the War of 181 2 British agents 
continued to incite the Seminoles to commit depreda- 
tions on the lower Georgia and Alabama settlements. 
And the fort built by Percy and Nicholls on the Apa- 
lachicola became an obstruction to navigation. This 

201 



"1 



refuge for Indians and for fugitive slaves went by the 
name of the Negro Fort, and was under the 
1816 command of a negro, by name Garcia. In 
Aug. August, 1816, Colonel Clinch, one hundred 
and fifty miles up the river at Fort Crawford 
was notified that supplies were to be conveyed up the 
river to him ; and that in case opposition was made by 
the Negro Fort to the navigation of the stream, it 
should be reduced. Learning of the arrival of the pro- 
visions at Apalachicola Bay, Colonel Clinch set out 
down the river with one hundred and sixteen men. 
On the way he was joined by a band of Creeks who 
were marching to attack the fort, and another body 
of these warriors increased his force the next day. 
From a prisoner he learned that Midshipman Lufif- 
borough and four men had been sent from the trans- 
ports into the river after fresh water, and that, attacked 
by the Seminoles, only one man of them had escaped. 
A part of the Indian allies were stationed near the 
fort to keep up an harassing fire and shut ofif com- 
munication with the outside world, a second 
Aug. body, with a detachment of American troops 
24 went to the rear of the fort, and on the oppo- 
site bank of the river a battery was stationed, 
below Avhich the gunboats took position, coming up 
from the bay. Over the fort floated a red flag, the 
British Jack waving above it. The garrison opened 

Q. Mention some things Mr. Clarke tendered them. How 
soon were the new ofificers to begin their duties? How were 
these propositions received? To what office was Mr. Clarke 
appointed? What was the condition of this section? What 
was done with this section in 1821? What did British agents 
incite the Seminoles to commit? To what did the negro fort 
become an obstruction? 



fire at once, l)ut so effectively was it answered that at 
the fiftli discharge a liot-shot struck one of the maga- 
zines, exploding it, and l)lowing up the fort, which be- 
sides one hundred warriors contained two hundred 
women and children. Not over fifty escaped the ex- 
plosion. Garcia and an outlawed Choctaw chief were 
tried by the friendly Indians and condemned to death 
for the murder of Midshipman Luf^borough and his 
companions. The vSpanish negroes were handed over 
to the Spanish agent, and Colonel Clinch took charge 
of the slaves who were runaways from American own- 
■ers. One hundred and sixty barrels of powder were 
secured from the uninjured magazine, besides prop- 
erty to the amount of two hundred thousand dollars. 
"Independent Flag" at Fernandina. About 
the middle of 1817 an adventurer, Gregor McGregor, 

who had fought against Spain in South 
1817 America, landed on Amelia Island with a 

band of filibusters gathered mainly from the 
States. Don Francisco de Morales, the commandant 
of the island, surrendered. MacGregor then declared 
the whole coast of Florida under blockade, and pom- 
pously assured his men that he would soon "plant the 
Green Cross of Florida on the proud walls of St. 
Augustine". He attempted without success to excite 
to arms the patriots of the former Republic of Florida. 
A Spanish expedition from St. Augustine failed to 
drive him from Amelia Island. As he had not met 

Q. Who commanded at Negro Fort? Of what was 
Colonel Clinch notified? Tell of his march. Tell of Mid- 
shipman Luffborough and his men. Give the arrangement 
of Colonel Clinch's forces. What flags waved over the forts? 
How was the fort blown up? How many persons were in 
the fort? What became of Garcia? of the negro slaves? 

203 



with the desired success, he sailed to the Bahama 
Islands for men and money. During his absence R. 
Hubbard, late sheriff of New York City, acted as gov- 
ernor, but was compelled to give way to another ad- 
venturer, Louis Aury, who had been operating at 
Matagorda under the flag of Mexico. He lowered 
the "Green Cross of Florida" and raised the standard 
of Mexico; but at this juncture American troops ar- 
rived and took possession of the island for the king of 
Spain. 

First Seminole War Begins. The destruction of 
the negro fort in 1816 did not put an end to the pre- 
datory expeditions of the Seminoles. War, however, 
did not actually begin till the fall of the following year, 
when Colonel Twiggs attacked Fowlton, a Seminole 
village just above the Georgia line. At once the In- 
dians began to wreak revenge. Of the many 
bloody massacres the most horrible was that of Lieu- 
tenant Scott arid his command as they were ascending 
the Apalachicola. Just as the boats of the party 
passed the thickest part of a swamp which lined the 
river banks, a fierce fire from the concealed Indians 
burst forth on the doomed men and women, forty-six 
in number, besides five children. Only five escaped, 
one woman spared by her captors, and four men who 
swam to the opposite shore. 

Jackson in East Florida. Jackson was at this 

Q. What property was secured? Who landed on Amelia 
Island in 1817? What did he declare? Of what did he 
assure his men? Whom did he attempt to excite to arms? 
Where did he sail? Tell of Hubbard and Aury. Who took 
possession for the king of Spain? How did the first war 
with the Seminoles begin? 

204 



time in Tennessee. The United States government 
ordered him and General Gaines to proceed 
1818 against the Seminoles with eight hundred 
regular troops and one thousand militia, to 
be increased if necessary, by requisitions on the gov- 
ernors of the neighboring States. Jackson issued a 
circular to his friends in Tennessee, who at once joined 
him to the number of one thousand. With these, aug- 
mented by five hundred regulars, and about two thous- 
and friendly Indians, he invaded the Seminole fast- 
nesses in East Florida, and in a campaign of six weeks 
completely. crushed the hostile warriors. The Micco- 
sukee towns were first destroyed. Here three hun- 
dred scalps of men, women, and children, fifty of them 
fresh from the heads of the victims, were found dang- 
ling from a red war pole. Then the Fowl towns were 
destroyed in a rapid march. From these Jackson 
suddenly descended on St. Marks, since he heard that 
Spanish agents at this place were instigating the Semi- 
noles to hostilities, and notwithstanding its strong 
fortifications the town surrendered without a struggle. 
Alexander Arbuthnot, a Scotch trader and friend of 
the Indians, was arrested at the gate of the fort. 

Francis the Prophet: Malee His Daughter. 

By means of a vessel flying the British fiag, Jackson 

Q captured the Prophet Francis, one of the 

leaders of the Creek War of 1813-14. Fran- 

Q. Give an account of the massacre of Lieutenant Scott 
and his command. Who were ordered to march against the 
Indians? How did Jackson raise troops? Give his whole 
force. How long was his campaign? What towns were first 
destroyed? What was found here? Give Jackson's further 
movements. Who was arrested at St. Marks? 

205 



cis had just returned from London, where he 
received many presents, and was commissioned a 
brigadier-general ; but incautiously venturing on 
board the supposed English vessel, he was taken, and 
hanged with his commission on his person. Malee, 
his daughter, came near falling into the same trap. 
But her suspicions were aroused in time, and turning 
her canoe to the shore, she disappeared safely into the 
woods, though a hail of canister shot rained on every 
side. 

There is a beautiful story told of this Indian maid, 
similar to the tale of Pocahontas in Virg-inia. Not 
long before the capture of Francis, a young Georgian, 
named Duncan McRimmon, fell into his hands, and 
was bound to a stake, with fagots piled around him, 
ready to be lighted by the torch, when Malee rushed 
forward and plead with her father to spare the white 
youth. She succeeded. McRimmon was sent to St. 
Marks, and by a strange fatality was on the decoy 
vessel when Francis arrived. After the war had 
ended, the young Georgian sought out Malee, and, 
though refused several times, finally won her for his 
bride, who had once preserved his life. 

Arbuthnot and Ambrister. a raid march from 
St. Marks brought Jackson to the Suwannee. Here he 
dispersed a large number of Indians, and made many 
prisoners, among them Robert Ambrister, once a sol- 
dier in NichoUs' command. If either Alexander Ar- 

Q. Tell of the Prophet Francis. Relate the escape of his 
daughter. Give the story of McRimmon's rescue. Where 
was he at the capture of Francis? What became of Malee? 
Where did General Jackson go from St. Marks? What 
prisoner was captured? What is to be said of the innocence 
of Arbuthnot and Ambrister? 

206 



buthnot or Robert Ambrister was innocent of the 
charge of "aiding and abetting" the enemy, 

1818 it was the former, whose counsel, according 
to the evidence, had been for peace. Robert 
Ambrister confessed to having given the Indians ad- 
vice and assistance. In his impulsive way Jackson 
hanged both, though the court had changed the sen- 
tence of the latter to fifty stripes and confinement 
"with a ball and chain at hard labor for twelve 
months". 

General Jackson afterwards received severe censure 
for this act of his Seminole campaign. 

Invasion of West Florida. Hearing that the 
Spaniards of Pensacola were in sympathy with the 

enemy, the American commander resolved 
"IMay 10 to repeat the lesson of 18 14. On the loth of 

^May he crossed the Apalachicola, and 
marched along the trail that leads over the natural 
bridge of the Chipola River. Jackson himself passed 
over the bridge, but a large division of his army made 
a circuit, and having thus to cross the river, were much 
delayed, which worked the general into a frenzy. At 
first he refused to believe that they had been retarded 
by a river, but was restored to good humor when in- 
formed by the guides of the existence of the natural 

bridge. In a cave beneath this the Indians 
May 23 west of the Apalachicola were concealed, 
1816-18 fearful and trembling, as Jackson marched 

above their heads. By the 23rd the Ameri- 
cans crossed the Escambia. A courier from Don Jose 
Masot (1816-1818), successor to Governor Maurique, 
met Jackson here with a written protest requiring him 
"to retire from the Province", otherwise force would 

207 



be used to expel him. The general marched all the 
faster. By the evening of the same day the army was 
in possession of Fort St. Michael, and encamped 

around it. Don Jose Masot hurriedly with- 
1818 drew to San Carlos with most of his troops, 

leaving a few men at Pensacola under com- 
mand of Lieutenant-Colonel Don Luis Piedmas. Upon 
Jackson's summons to surrender, the governor re- 
ferred him to Colonel Piedmas for Pensacola, but for 
Barrancas he replied : "This fortress I am resolved to 
defend to the last extremity. I shall repel force by 
force, and he who resists aggression can never be con- 
sidered an aggressor. God preserve your excellency 
many years." By arrangement Colonel Piedmas gave 
up Pensacola. 

San Carlos Defended "to the Last Extrem- 
ity." General Jackson, anxious to avoid bloodshed, 
sent Masot another summons to surrender. 
May 25 hinting at the folly of resisting an overwhelm- 
ing force. In the evening the American 
army invested San Carlos, and at midnight its batter- 
ies were planted within four hundred yards of the fort. 
The refusal of a third demand to give up was the sig- 
nal for the firing to begin, which continued until even- 
ing, when a truce was agreed on ; and on the next day 
articles of capitulation were signed, to the effect that 
the troops should march out with honors of war and 
be conveyed to Havana. Don Jose Masot as much as 

Q. To what did Ambrister confess? What did Jackson 
do with these two prisoners? How was this act of his re- 
ceived? Why did he march on to Pensacola? Tell the story 
about the natural bridge. What protest did Governor Masot 
send to General Jackson? What effect did it have? 

208 



gave up to the United States the complete possession 
of West Florida. 

Tiie'Teggy." As Governor Masot was shortly after- 
wards voyaging to Havana on the cartel "Peggy", he 
was overhauled by one of the craft sailing under the 
"Independent Flag" of Spain's revolted colonies in 
South America. Inasmuch as the "Peggy" was an 
American vessel, she was not held as a prize. But the 
Spanish passengers were plundered of their valuables, 
Alasot himself losing eight thousand dollars. 

Provisional Government. The American com- 
mander now appointed Colonel King civil and mili- 
tary governor of West Florida and Captain 
]8i8 Gadsden collector of the port of Pensacola, 
extended the civil laws over the province, 
and provided for the preservation of the archives and 
government property. The provisional government 
thus established was to last "until Spain could furnish 
a suflficient military force to execute the obligations of 
existing treaties". This done. General Jackson re- 
turned to Tennessee to seek needed repose. 

Censure of Jackson's Conduct. Success always 
receives praise, and Jackson's friends now commended 
him highly for the swiftness and despatch with which 
he had brought the Seminole War to an end. But, 
on the other hand, severe censure was passed on his 
proceedings, and a committee of the United States 

Q. How did Masot act? Give the reply to Jackson's 
summons to surrender. Who surrendered Pensacola? Why 
was another summons sent to Masot? What can you tell 
about the capture of San Carlos? Give the articles of capitu- 
lation. What did Masot give up? Relate the incident of 
the "Peggy". 

15 209 



Senate to investigate the occurrences of the war con- 
demned all his acts, especially the capture of St. Marks 
and Pensacola and the hanging of Arbuthnot and Am- 
brister. An unsuccessful attempt was made to fasten 
on him a land scandal, namely, that he had been guilty 
of assisting certain speculators to purchase land at 
Pensacola previous to the war. Nothing, however, 
came of this. 

Retransfer to Spain. Though Congress did not 
expressly disavow Jackson's conduct, yet it held itself 
ready t6 return West Florida to Spain, whenever a 
force appeared to occupy Pensacola. Such a force 
appearing in September, 1819, the Americans at once 
evacuated Pensacola and Barrancas. A treaty had 
already been made for the purchase of the Floridas 
by the United States, and had been ratified by the Sen- 
ate, though not by the Spanish government; so it 
seems that the arrival of a Spanish governor and army 
was for the purpose of avoiding any appearance of 
being forced to give up the provinces. 

Governors of the Two Floridas. In East Flor- 
ida Governor Kindelan was superseded about 

1 81 6 the middle of 181 6 by Don Jose Coppinger, 
who continued in office until he handed over 

1 82 1 the province to Colonel Butler, of the United 
July 10 States Army, July 10, 1821. Don Jose Ma- 
sot succeeded Governor Maurique in the 

Q. How was a provisional government established? How 
long was this government to last? How was General Jack- 
son's conduct received in the United States? What scandal 
did some attempt to fasten on him? What was the course 
of action of Congress? How long did the provisional gov- 
ernment continue? 



command of West Florida, November, 1816, and 
was expelled by General Andrew Jack- 
son, May, 181 8. The provisional governor, 

1818 Colonel King, retired to make way for the 
May new Spanish governor, September, 1819. 

Don Jose Maria Callava was the name of the 

1 819 latter, a knight who had won the cross of 
Sept. the military order of Hermenegildo in the 

Peninsula campaign. On the 17th of July, 

1 82 1 1821, General Jackson received from Gov- 

Jwly 17 ernor Callava the surrender of West Florida, 

the last vestige of Spanish authority in the 
peninsula claimed by Spain in virtue of Ponce de 
Leon's discovery, March 27, 15 13. 



Q. For what purpose did the arrival of the Spanish seem 
to be? Who succeeded Governor Kindelan in East Florida? 
Give the governors in West Florida after Maurique. When 
did Spain give up the last vestige of her authority in Florida? 

211 



CHAPTER XVI. 

PURCHASE OF THE FLORIDAS— JACKSON AP- 
POINTED PROVISIONAL GOVERNOR— TERRI- 
TORIAL GOVERNMENT. 

Negotiations for Florida. In 1816 Monroe, at 

that time Secretary of State, suggested to the Spanish 

ambassador, Don Onis, the exchange of the 

1 81 6 Floridas for a part of Louisiana lying next 
to Texas. Nothing came of this proposi- 

181 7 tion. During the next year Monroe, having 
now become President, proposed that Spain 

should cede the provinces to the United States in set- 
tlement of the claims of the citizens of the latter gov- 
ernment arising from losses inflicted by Indians dwel- 
ling on Spanish territory. A lengthy correspondence 
ensued between Don Onis and John Quincy Adams, 
Secretary of State ; but again nothing resulted. The 
operations of Jackson did more to hurry on the nego- 
tiations than all the diplomacy at Washington, or at 
Madrid, for they proved clearly to Spain that to pro- 
tect her territory and keep the Indians in check would 
require a large military force in the Floridas and would 
result in great expense, if she wished to abide by 
treaty obligations. 

Q. What suggestion did Monroe make in 1816? What 
did he propose the following year? What was the result? 
How were the negotiations hurried on? What did Jackson 
prove to Spain? Where was the treaty of cession made? 

2X2 



While Jackson's campaign in Florida was under 
discussion in Congress Don Onis received 
1819 instructions from his home government, and 
Feb. reopened negotiations, which resulted finally 
22, in Adams and Onis signing a treaty of ces- 
sion, February 22, 1819. 

Treaty. Of the sixteen articles comprising the 
treaty the second related to the cession of East and 
West Florida, with all public property ; the fifth 
granted freedom of religious worship; the sixth re- 
lated to the admittance of Spanish subjects to all the 
rights and privileges of citizens of the United States ; 
the seventh stipulated that the latter convey to Havana 
the Spanish troops, who were to withdraw within six 
months. The eighth article guaranteed that, "All the 
grants of land made before the 24th of January, 18 18, 
by his Catholic majesty, or by his lawful authorities 
in the said territories, ceded by his majesty to the 
United States, shall be ratified and confirmed to the 
persons in possession of the lands, to the same ex- 
tent that the same grants would be valid, if the terri- 
tories had remained under the dominion of his Catho- 
lic majesty All grants made since the said 

24th of January, 181 8, when the first proposal on the 
part of his Catholic majesty for the cession of the 
Floridas was made, are hereby declared, and agreed to 
be, null and void". By the ninth article both powers 
agreed to relinquish the claims of the citizens of each 
against the other ; but the United States was to pay 
for damages to private property in Jackson's cam- 
paign. According to the eleventh article the United 
States agreed to make satisfaction to her own citizens 
for their claims on Spain, to an amount not exceeding 

213 



five millions of dollars.* Spanish vessels were by the 
fifteenth article to enter the ports of Pensacola and 
St. Augustine for twelve years without paying the 
duties exacted of foreign ships, provided they were 
carrying cargoes of Spanish goods or productions. 
The sixteenth article stipulated that the treaty should 
be ratified by both powers within six months, or 
sooner, if possible. 

Ratification of the Treaty. Ratification of the 

treaty by the Senate of the United States occurred 

immediately, but ^pain hesitated. Much 

1819 feeling was aroused, for it was feared in 
Feb. America that foreign powers were opposed 

25 to the annexation ; but when the President 
announced that Spain's course was not ap- 

1820 proved by any European power, public 
Mar. 8 opinion manifested itself in a resolution re- 
ported March 8, 1820, to take possession of 

1820 West Florida. But wiser counsel prevailed, 
Oct. 24 and after much correspondence the king of 
Spain signed the treaty on the 24th of Octo- 
ber, 1820. 

Land Grants. Since 1793 several royal orders 
had come out from Spain authorizing the governors 
to grant land to settlers on condition of some public 
service or actual occupation. Numerous tracts were 
thus apportioned in the northwestern part of the State 

Q. To what did the second article of the treaty relate? 
the fifth and sixth? the seventh? What did the eighth article 
guarantee? What was agreed on in the ninth article? in the 
eleventh? How much did Florida actually cost? What was 
stipulated in the fifteenth article? 

* The actual sum paid was $6,489,768. 
214 



and between the St. Johns River and the Atlantic 
Ocean, as well as more scattered grants in other por- 
tions. These were in some instances extensive, as the 
Arredondo grant in Alachua district, and that of Mi- 
randa on Tampa Bay. Forbes' Purchase was a large 
tract lying on the eastern bank of the Apalachicola, 
obtained by purchase from the Indians, with the con- 
sent of Spain. According to the eighth article of the 
treaty, "all grants of land made before the 24th of 
January, 1818", were to be valid; but after the treaty 
liad been signed by Adams and Onis, it was found that 
Spain insisted on the validity of the grants of the Duke 
of Alagon, the Count of Pufion Rostro, and Don Pe- 
dro de Vargas, which comprised nearly all the terri- 
tory not hitherto apportioned in East and West Flor- 
ida. On the contention of the United States that her 
plenipotentiary had signed the treaty with the under- 
standing that these grants were to be considered can- 
celled, the king of Spain added a clause nullifying the 
titles. 

The lack of precision in the titles and in the sur- 
veying of the original grants afterwards caused much 
trouble to settlers. But the greatest hardships en- 
dured were those of claimants for damages, which 
the United States was to pay on behalf of Spain. After 
thirty years they were paid. The total cost of Florida 
has been $6,489,768 ; and 59,268 square miles of terri- 
tory were added to the national public domain. 

Q. What was the final article? How soon was the treaty 
ratified? Why was feeling aroused? What resolution was 
reported? When did the King of Spain sign the treaty? 
Give an account of lands granted by the Spanish governors. 
What was the Forbes' Purchase? What grants were to be 
valid? 

215 



Alabama Wishes to Annex West Florida. The 
constitutional convention of Alabama in 1820 peti- 
tioned Congress to annex West Florida to 

1820 that State, to which by nature it belongs. 
"But they were silenced, as if by the imperi- 
ous decree of fate that the Perdido boundary should 
be, and forever remain, a monument of d'Arriola's 
diligence in reaching the Gulf coast three years (1696) 
before d'Iberville (1699)." Attempts have been made 
in recent years to complete what the Alabama conven- 
tion of 1820 proposed, but without success. 

Jackson Governor : Transfer of the Floridas. 
As if to atone for the criticism and censure Jackson 
underwent on account of his campaign of 1818, the 
President appointed him provisional governor of the 
two Floridas until a territorial government should be 
formed. This can be the only explanation of his ac- 
cepting the post of governor of an unimportant terri- 
tory. He accepted the ofTer as an atonement for his 
past wrongs. 

The transfer of the two provinces was to take place 
at St. Augustine, July 10, 1821, for East 

1 82 1 Florida, at Pensacola seven days later, for 
July West Florida. General and Mrs. Jackson 
10, 17 arrived at Pensacola several days before the 

date appointed for the change of flags ; and in 

Q. What was discovered after the treaty was signed? How 
much land did these grants comprise? Why did the King 
of Spain nullify them? What caused trouble to the settlers? 
How many years did it take the United States to pay? How 
many square miles of land in Florida? Tell of Alabama's 
petition to Congress. Who was appointed to the office of 
governor over the new territory? 

216 • - 



their train followed numerous office-seekers, who were, 
however, doomed to disappointment, as the 
July President, and not General Jackson, made the 
17 appointments. On the morning of the 17th 
Jackson and Governor Callava signed the 
paper delivering to the United States the province of 
West Florida, with all government property and the 
public archives. A similar ceremony had been per- 
formed at St. Augustine seven days before this, Don 
Jose Coppinger acting for Spain, and Colonel Robert 
Butler for the United States. There was here a dififer- 
ence of opinion as to whether artillery was to be con- 
sidered public property, and whether public archives 
relating to private property should be surrendered. 
Each commissioner laid the case before his own gov- 
ernment. Part of the archives carried to Havana 
were afterwards brought back. 

The military and such of the citizens as did not wish 
to remain left immediately for Cuba on American ves- 
sels. But Callava and his staff lingered to enjoy the 
hospitality of the American officers and their families, 
which was interrupted in an unfortunate manner. 

ViDAL Affair. A paper involving a small sum 
belonging to a certain Nicolas Vidal, accidentally be- 
came mixed with the documents to be carried away 

Q. Why did Jackson accept the office? What were the 
dates of the transfer? Who followed in General Jackson's 
train? How were they disappointed? Tell about the trans- 
fer of West and East Florida. What difficulty was met in 
East Florida? Where did the Spaniards go? Who re- 
mained behind? What paper became mixed with the docu- 
ments of Callava? 

217 



by Callava. A woman claiming to be Vidal's heir 
appealed to Alcalde Brackenridge, and the 
1821 latter at once demanded the paper from Do- 
mingo Sousa, Callava's agent, who referred 
him to his principal. Brackenridge, however, re- 
ported the case to Jackson. The general at once or- 
dered Sousa imprisoned, and Callava brought before 
him, who, protesting against the outrage, was sent 
after his agent by the now furious governor. In the 
meantime the alcalde broke open the Spaniard's boxes, 
and secured the offending paper. Next day the pris- 
oners were released, when Callava proceeded to Wash- 
ington to lay the case before the authorities. Some 
of the Spanish officers in Pensacola published a pro- 
test against the outrage, and tiiis led the governor to 
issue a proclamation ordering them to quit the pro- 
vince within four days, as disturbers of the peace. 

Jackson and the Fire. The course of the new 
governor inspired the citizens of Pensacola with dread 
of his temper. In consequence an amusing incident 
occurred one day. Quite a crowd had collected on 
the Public Square to witness a fire, and Jackson, to 
urge on those who w-ere trying to extinguish it, made 
a yelling appeal ; but to his amazement the whole 
crowd fled. Not understanding his language, they 
imagined that he was ordering them to disperse, and 
so took to their heels. 

Q. Tell about Brackenridge's conduct. How did General 
Jackson act? Give Callava's conduct and that of certain 
Spanish officers. What proclamation did Jackson issue? 
Relate the story of the fire. 

218 



Departure of Jackson. Mrs. Jackson yearned 
to return to her home at the Hermitage, and 

1 82 1 it was with gladness that she wrote to a 

Oct. friend that her husband regarded his trip to 
Florida as "a wild goose chase". Their re- 
turn to Tennessee took place in October. 

Territorial Government. Military government 
remained in force till the 3rd of March, 1822, when an 
act of Congress created civil authority. East Florida 
and West Florida were united, with as yet no fixed 
capital. Jackson had already attempted to make a 
more equal division of the two Floridas by extending 
the eastern boundary of West Florida to the Suwanee 
River. The governor, who was to be appointed by 
the President, was to be assisted by a council of thir- 
teen of the most discreet men of the territory. His 
salary was to be two thousand five hundred dollars. 
Judges, two in number, one for East and the other for 
West Florida, were paid a salary of fifteen hundred 
vlollars. Members of the council received three dol- 
lars per day during attendance, to which was added 
mileage. Local officers were placed under the power 
of appointment of the governor, who was himself com- 
man3er-in-chief of the militia of the territory and 
superintendent of Indian afifairs. Laws relating to 
crime, commerce, and navigation were also enacted. 

William P. Duval, of Kentucky, was commissioned 
by the President first governor of the territory of 

Q. How did Mrs. Jackson write that her husband re- 
garded his trip to Florida? How long was he in Florida? 
When was civil government established? Give the changes 
in East and West Florida. How was the governor to be 
assisted? What was the salary of the judges and of the 
members of council? What powers did the governor have? 

219 



Florida. The first session of the legislative coim- 

„ cil was held in 1822 at Pensacola; but, yellow 

fever breaking out, it was transferred to the 

Fifteen-mile house, fifteen miles north of the town, 

where the Florida statutes of 1822 were enacted. Civil 

proceedings, marriages, wills, militia, reve- 

1823 nue, etc., were regulated by these ordinances. 

St. Augustine was designated as the second 

place of meeting, for 1823. 

William P. Duval. Governor William P. Duval 
was born in Virginia in 1784 of Huguenot family, his 

great-grandfather having emigrated from 
1784 France. His grandfather was a member of 

the Virginia House of Burgesses, and his 
father was a major in the Revolutionary War. As a 
boy, William moved to Kentucky, studied law, and 
later was sent to Congress in 1812, serving till March 
2, 1815, after which he practiced law in his adopted 
State. President Monroe appointed him governor of 

Florida in 1822, and he was continued in 
1854 office by succeeding presidents till 1834. In 

1848 Governor Duval moved to Texas. Six 
years later a paralytic stroke brought on his death, 
while he was visiting in Washington. James K. 
Paulding has portrayed him in fiction as "Nimrod 
Wildfire", and Washington Irving as "Ralph Ring- 
wood". 

Q. Who was the first governor of Florida Territory? 
Where was the first meeting of the legislative council held? 
the second? Tell of Governor Duval's family. Tell of his 
own early life. How long was he governor of Florida? Tell 
of his death. How has he been portrayed in fiction? 

220 




GOV. WILLIAM P. DUVAL: 1822-34. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

FLORIDA AS A TERRITORY— SITE OF THE CAPI- 
TAL—GROWTH—BANKS—TROUBLE WITH THE 
INDIANS. 

Sfxond Session of Council : Change in Gov- 
ernment. According to the decree of Congress the 
second session of the legislative council was 

1823 held in May, 1823, at some place other than 

May Pensacola. St. Augustine in East Florida 
was selected as place of meeting. On this 
occasion the council appointed Dr. William H. Sim- 
mons of St. Augustine and John Lee Williams of Pen- 
sacola commissioners to select a site for a permanent 
capital. 

By an act approved March 3, 1823, Congress 
amended the act of the preceding year, repealing cer- 
tain ordinances of the council and regulating the civil 
government to suit better the requirements of the ter- 
titory. 

Tallahassee. After examination the commis- 
sioners, Simmons and Williams, selected as a site for 
the State capital the old Indian fields at the former 
Seminole town of Tallahassee (old touni), — a name that 
was retained to swell the list of harmonious titles of 

Q. Where was the second meeting of the legislative coun- 
cil held? What commission was appointed? Where did the 
commissioners select the site of the capital? What does Tal- 
lahassee mean? When was the first meeting of the council 
lield at Tallahassee? 



towns and streams and lakes, almost the only relics of 
the former inhabitants of the flowery land. Near 
Tallahassee there was then a beautiful cascade, which 
has since disappeared. The choice of the commis- 
sioners was approved by the council, and the 
1824 first meeting of that body at Tallahassee was 
Dec. held in December, 1824, it is said, in a log 
21 cabin in the southeastern corner of the 
grounds around the present capital. This 
latter building was erected by the United States in 
1844 at a cost of eighty-five thousand dollars. 

Grant of a Township of Land to Lafayette. 

During Lafayette's visit to America in 1824 Congress 

voted the great Frenchman the sum of two 

1824 hundred thousand dollars and a grant of a 
township of land from the public domain, in 

1825 return for his assistance during the Revolu- 
tionary War. A notice from the "Pensacola 

Gazette" of the following year states that Colonel 
McKe€ had arrived in town on his way to select the 
land. The township selected lay in Jefferson county, 
at no great distance from the capital of the territory. 

Growth of the Territory. Immigration flowed 
in rapidly from the Southern States, from the Bahama 
Islands, and even from the North Atlantic States, es- 
pecially to the northern part of East Florida. But a 
great drawback to settlement was the hostility of the 
Seminoles, who had in Spanish times occupied the two 
Floridas, except only a small part of the land along 
the coast. However, a number of towns sprang 
rapidly into existence. 

Palatka was founded in 1821 by James Marver and 
two other men, Hines and Woodruff, who established 

223 



here a trading-post. Marver was greatly beloved by 
the Indians. By 1850 Palatka had many 

1 82 1 handsome residences, but its commercial im- 
portance began with the coming of the rail- 
road 'in 1886. 

Jacksonville, whose aboriginal name was Wacca 

I Pilatka, called "Cow Ford" by the English, 

1 81 6 began in 181 6 by the removal of L. G. Hogan 

1822 to the land which belonged to his Spanish 
wife, Dofia Maria Suavez. In 1822 the name 

Jacksonville, given in honor of General Andrew Jack- 
son, was bestowed on the newly laid out town. 

In 1823 a colony of Scotch Presbyterians settled at 
Euchee Anna in the Euchee valley in West 
'^^^ Florida. 

The first house was erected in Tallahassee in 1824; 
the town was incorporated in the following 
^ I 1824 year; and the building of the first capitol was 
■:^ y begun in January, 1826. 

Monticello was surveyed in 1828; and in the follow- 

o i^S y^^^ Marianna was incorporated. 

Twelve months later Apalachicola became a 

city. Key West, which was made a naval station, 

was incorporated and laid oflf into lots the 

> 1829-30 same year as Marianna (1829). The town 

U 1836 of St. Josephs was begun in 1836. 

At the first meeting ol the legislative coun- 
cil, 1822, the territory was divided into four counties, 
Escambia, embracing the country between the Perdido 

Q. Where was the meeting held? Give the age and cost 
of the present capitol. Give an account of the township 
granted to Lafayette. Tell of immigration to Florida. What 
was a great drawback to settlement? Give an account of 
Palatka. 

224 



and Apalachicola ; Jackson, between the Apalacliicola 
and the Suwannee; Duval, north of a hne from "Cow 
Ford" to mouth of the Suwannee, and extending from 
this river to the ocean ; Saint Johns, the peninsula south 




From Tanner's American Alias. 
FLORIDA IN 1S23. 

of the Hne just mentioned. These four were after- 
wards subdivided. By 1837 there were twenty coun- 
ties in all. In 1887 a large number of new counties 
were formed by an act of the legislature. 
16 225 



Various canals throughout the territory were pro- 
jected, and a large ship canal across the northern part 
of the peninsula was planned, to cut ofi the 
1829 dangerous voyage around the Florida reefs. 
In 1829 a report was submitted to Congress 
by United States Engineers of a route for a canal be- 
tween St. Marks and Fernandina, but it was not con- 
sidered practicable. Routes were surveyed again in 
1854 and 1878. 

Tobacco, of which so much is now said, 
1828 was introduced from Cuba in 1828, although 
it was suggested during British rule that such 
tobacco might be profitably raised. 

General R. K. Call, one of the shapers of the com- 
monwealth, as he delighted to speak of him- 
1835-6 self, built the third railroad in the United 
States, from Tallahassee to St. Marks. Be- 
fore the outbreak of the Civil War these few miles of 
road were the best paying in the whole country. 

Social Life. Society in Florida during these early 
years of American ownership was refined in spite of 
the frontier life. Large, well cultivated plantations 
were scattered over the country between Tallahassee 
and Jacksonville, and the possessors enjoyed each 
other's refined intercourse. Among the names that 
occur as guarantees of culture are those of General 

Q. What was the aboriginal name of Jacksonville? When 
did Jacksonville begin? In whose honor was it named? 
What colony settled at Euchee Anna? Tell of Tallahassee. 
Mention the names of other towns founded at this period. 
How many counties were there at first? Give the position 
of the counties. What is to be said of the making of other 
counties? 

226 



and Mrs. R. K. Call, Judge Thomas Randall, Gov- 
ernor W. P. Duvall, Colonel Gadsden, Mrs. "Florida" 
White, Mrs. Nutall, and the family of William Wirt. 
To these should be added the family of Colonel Bird 
Willis, who removed from Virginia to Tallahassee 
in 1827, and whose daughter Kate married Prince 
Achille Murat, son of the king of Naples. Prince 
Murat had been in the territory only a short time and 
had purchased a plantation not far from the township 
bestowed on Lafayette. The graves of the Prince and 

the Princess are to be seen at Tallahassee. 

« 

Banks. During Jackson's administration many 
"wild cat" banks were established in all sections of 
the United States. Florida had her share of these, 
and, it must be confessed, not to her credit. Of the 
some ten or twelve banks established at this period 
the following are the most noteworthy because of their 
connection with the repudiation of Florida's just obli- 
gations at the time she became a State. 

In 1 83 1 the Bank of Pensacola was chartered with a 

capital of two hundred thousand dollars, 
183T and began business on November 28, 1833. 

Early in 1835 the legislature authorized the 
increase of its capital stock to two and a half millions 
of dollars, and the purchase by the bank of stock in 
the Alabama, Georgia, and Florida Railway. A fur- 
ther issue of live hundred thousand dollars of bonds 
was authorized. These were to be indorsed by the 

Q. Why was a canal across Florida thought necessary? 
What route was surveyed in 1829? How many more have 
been surveyed? Wlien was tobacco introduced? What can 
you say of the third railroad in the United States? What was 
the condition of society? How did the people live? Give 
the names of some of the early inhabitants. 

227 



governor in behalf of the territory, which was secured 
from loss, as was supposed, by a mortgage on the 
bank, including its railroad shares. By 1843 the rail- 
road failed, the bank ceased to exist, and the terri- 
tory's mortgage proved worthless. 

The Union Bank was chartered in 1^33 with an 
authorized capital of three millions of dollars, 
1833 raised by the sale of territorial bonds. Stock- 
holders were not to pay down any part of 
their subscriptions, but to secure them by mortgages 
on lands and slaves. The bonds were sold mostly 
in Europe in 1834, '38, '39, at a discount of from three 
to ten per cent. This was contrary to the charter, as 
it stipulated that they should not be sold below par. 
Interest was paid by negotiating new bonds. In 1837, 
two years after it began business, the bank suspended 
specie payment, and in 1842 failed to pay interest on 
its bonds. 

Although Congress did not in June, 1836, approve 
the charter of the Southern Life Insurance and Trust 
Company, chartered February 14, 1835, yet 
1836 the company began business, insuring life, 
receiving money on deposit, buying, dis- 
counting, and selling drafts, promissory notes, and 
bills of exchange. The capital stock was placed at 
two millions of dollars, with privilege to raise to four 
millions. Notes could be issued to the full amount 

Q. Tell about Prince Achille Murat and his wife. What 
is to be said of "wild cat" banks in Florida? How much 
was the capital of the Bank of Pensacola? How were five 
hundred thousand dollars of its bonds indorsed? What se- 
curity did the territory have? What became of the bank? 
Give the capital of the Union Bank. What payment were the 
stockholders to make? 

228 



of the paid-in stock, as also certificates of one thous- 
and dollars each, indorsed by the governor of the ter- 
ritory, which were secured by a privilege granted the 
marshal to seize enough of the bank's money and 
property to satisfy demands against it. In 1837 Con- 
gress approved the bank's charter, and at the same 
time, and in the following year, gave it greater liberty. 
But when the institution failed, as it speedily did, 
nothing was found for the marshal to seize ; and the 
territory was confronted with obligations to the 
amount of four hundred thousand dollars. 

Beginning of Trouble with the Seminoles. 
Before the descent of Jackson in 1818 the SeminolesJ 
occupied all East Florida, having towns of consider-! 
able size, and after their defeat they continued to hold 
the province, though no longer dwelling in large com- 
munities as before. They also still continued to har- 
bor runaway slaves, which was a constant source of 
disagreement between them and the planters. Had 
not the Seminoles been in possession of Florida, it 
would have been settled more rapidly. In 

1822 1822 they numbered about four thousand, 
of all ages and sexes, and had among them 
a thousand negroes. Besides the governor, who was 
Superintendent of Indian Afifairs, the President ap- 
pointed as a special Indian agent, Colonel Gad 
Humphreys, who took up his residence at Fort King 

Q. How were the bonds sold? How long did the bank 
exist? What business did the Southern Life Insurance and 
Trust Company conduct? Give an account of its stock. How 
was the territory secured? How did Congress act towards 
the bank? Give the amount the territory was held respon- 
sible for? How had the war of 1818 afifected the Seminoles? 
What caused disagreement between them and the settlers? 

229 



amongi his proteges, and championed their rights 
until 1830. 

Ahiiost immediately after the purchase of Florida 

the President was petitioned to restrict the Indians 

within narrower limits, in order that the territory might 

„ be opened to settlers. Colonel Humphreys at 

(. once set about gathering the chiefs to treat 

„ ' on this subject. Finally, on the i8th of 
September, 1823, he succeeded in collecting 
a considerable number at "Camp Moultrie", six miles 
below St. Augustine, where they agreed to move be- 
low a line about twenty miles south of Micanopy, on 
payment of six thousand dollars in cash and an annu- 
ity of five thousand dollars. Six chiefs had to be fur- 
ther conciliated. No white man was to enter their 
territory without permission, and the Indian was to 
keep within bounds on penalty of being flogged if 
caught outside. They did not keep within bounds, 
and they sheltered fugitive negroes, though in the 
treaty they had promised to return them to their 
owners. As settlements of the whites increased, a de- 
sire arose to remove the Indians entirely. 

At a talk near McKenzie's Pond in 1828 the In- 
dians proposed a delegation of their most 

1828 trusted chiefs to examine the lands west of 

the Mississippi, which the United States 

would grant them, if they wished to move there of 

their own free will. This proposition being rejected 

Q. Give the number of Seminoles in 1822. Who was 
Superintendent of Indian AfYairs? Where did he reside? 
What petition was sent to the President? Give an account 
of the treaty of "Camp Moultrie". How was the treaty kept? 
What desire arose as the settlements increased? What did 
the Indians propose at McKenzie's Pond? 

230 



by the War Department, the Seminoles became dis- 
couraged, and soon announced their intention of re- 
maining where they were. 

Another cause of dispute between the red man and 
the settler lay in the ownership of cattle, of which 
the Indians possessed a large number; and further- 
more they occupied the best grazing country. About 
this time the United States government sanctioned a 
most disgraceful scheme for purchasing the fugitive 
slaves from their protectors. Since traders could, 
by 'intoxicating their red customer, obtain from him 
his peltries and manufactures for a mere song, it was 
proposed to secure the runaway negroes in a similar 
manner ; but the humanity of the country would sanc- 
tion no such procedure. A feeling of uneasi- 

1830 ness began to pervade whites and Indians 
alike. Colonel Humphreys was removed in 
1830, because he was too strong a champion of his 
charges, and Major Phagan took his place, remain- 
ing agent till 1833. 

In 1832 Major Phagan succeeded in collecting a 
number of influential chiefs at Payne's landing, where 
^ they concluded a treaty with the commis- 
sioner, Colonel James Gadsden, agreeing to 
send certain of their influential chiefs, with 
their negro interpreter Abraham, to the territory 
promised them by the United States ; and if fhey were 
satisfied with the land, and of the favorable disposi- 
tion of the Creeks to unite again with them, the treaty 
should bind them to migrate thither. The they was 
taken by the Seminoles to mean themselves, but by 
President Jackson to refer to the chiefs of the recon- 
noitering party. Union with the Creeks was disliked 

231 



by the Florida Indians, as they vvere runaways from 
the former nation. Moreover, there was 

1832 danger that the Creeks would take from them 
the fugitive negroes, who had intermarried 
with the Seminoles and had great influence over 
them. 

From September, 1832, to the following March, the 
deputation of chiefs with Colonel Phagan examined 
the territory allotted them between the Canadian 
River and its North Fork, and in the treaty of Fort 
Gibson expressed themselves as satisfied with the 
country, and stated their readiness to remove thither. 
But on their return the body of the nation refused to 
abide by the decision of their chiefs. American ol^cers 
then in Florida gave it as their opinion that the chiefs 
would not have consented to migrate, if they had not 
been tampered with. (See map 011 p. 267.) 

The Indians were deeply stirred by the prepara- 
tions to remove them by force. Major Phagan deemed 
it prudent to resign the post of agent, and was suc- 
ceeded by General Wiley Thompson. Colonel Dun- 
can L. Clinch took command of the United 

1835 States troops. Charley Emathla, an old 

Oct. chief, drew upon himself the hostility of the 

remaining Seminoles, because he determined 

to abide by the treaty of Payne's Landing, and not 

Q. What effect did the rejection of this proposition have 
on the Seminoles? Give another cause of trouble. Give the 
proposed scheme of purchasing the fugitive slaves. Why was 
Colonel Humphreys replaced by Major Phagan? Where 
did Major Phagan collect the influential chiefs in 1832? 
What treaty was made? How was the word they under- 
stood? Why did the Florida Indians dislike union with the 
Creeks? 

232 



long afterwards while he was gathering his band for 
removal, he was shot by Osceola and a number of 
Miccosukies. The gold found on him Osceola would 
allow none to touch, saying that it was the price of the 
red man's blood. 

At one of the consultations held by General Thomp- 
son this same Osceola, afterwards to become so fa- 
mous, drew his knife, 
and striking it into the 
table before him, cried. 
"Tlfts is the only treaty 
I will ever make with 
the whites !" He was 
at this time merely a 
sub-chief. 

Osceola. W h e n 
General Andrew Jack- 
son broke the power 
of the Red Sticks at the 
battle of the Horse- 
shoe Bend in 1813, the 
remnant of these brave 
warriors took refuge among the Seminoles. With 
them fled a Creek mother and her son, a boy of about 
thirteen or fourteen, Asseheholar, or "Black Drink", 
known also as Powell, from the name of his father, an 
Indian trader. At the outbreak of the war (1835), he 

Q. What danger was there? Where was the land allotted 
to the Seminoles? How did the chiefs express their opinion 
of it? How did the body of the nation act? What did cer- 
tain officers think of the chief's consent? Who succeeded 
Major Phagan? Tell of Charley Emathla and of his murder. 
What treaty did Osceola declare he would make with the 
whites? 




Giddings' Exiles. 

OSCEOLA. 



23i 



was thirty-one years of age, resolute and manly, of 
a clear, fresh, and engaging countenance, and as a 
leader cautious and bold. He broke up every attempt 
at negotiation. He was the guiding spirit of the war, 
which may be said to have begun from the time when 
his wife, daughter of a Seminole chief and a negro 
woman, was seized as a slave. Osceola then vowed 
vengeance, and at the time behaved so violently that 
General Thompson had him put in irons until he con- 
fessed repentance. His subsequent murder of Gen- 
eral Thompson, his own captive, and his death at Fort 
Moultrie, S. C., belong to a later chapter. 



Q. To what nation did Osceola belong? What does his 
name mean? Describe him at the outbreak of the war. 
What may be said to be the beginning of the war? 

234 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

SEMINOLE WAR— DADE'S MASSACRE— BATTLE 
OF THE WITHLACOOCHEE— GENERAL SCOTT- 
GENERAL JESUP— CAPTURE OF OSCEOLA. 

Decision of the United States to Remove the 
Seminoles. General Thompson reported in 1834 
tliat the Indians were buying great quantities of pow- 
der, and had probably forty or fifty kegs. A 
1834 few months later an order was transmitted 
to him not to sell them any more. Osceola, 
when refused, became indignant, and in a burst of rage 
exclaimed, "Am I a negro — a slave? My skin is dark, 
but not black ! I am an Indian, a Seminole ! The 
white man shall not make me black ! I will make the 
white man red with blood, and blacken him with the 
sun and rain, where the wolf shall smell of his bones, 
and the buzzard live upon his flesh" ! General Jackson 
sent a "talk". But the Indians had heard so 
1818 many "talks", and seen so few soldiers, that 
they despised the white man as weak, 
for the guiding spirits were too young to remem- 
ber the terrible punishment inflicted on the 
nation in 1818. It became evident that if the 
Seminoles were to be moved from Florida, force 
would have to be employed; but from the first 
the War Department made a mistake in supposing that 
the whole number of warriors was only four or five 
hundred, and in making preparations accordingly. 
Q. How much powder had the Indians bought? What did 
Osceola exclaim when refused? How did the Indians regard 
"talks"? What mistake did the War Department make? 

235 



Strangely enough, the authorities underestimated the 
power of resistance of a Seminole. 

At a council held in April, 1835, General Thompson 

very unwisely struck from the lists of chiefs Sam Jones 

(Arpcika), Jumper, Micanopy, Alligator, and 

1835 Black Dirt, who refused to join the other 

• April chiefs in agreeing to migrate. In reality, 

this agreement was merely a subterfuge to 




gain time to gather the 
crops and provide ammu- 
nition. Osceola pretended 
to be preparing to leave, 
and actually brought in 
seventy of his band, who 
having consumed the gov- 
ernment's rations and fire 

water, silently 
■ Oct. disappeared, a s 

was so often done 
during this war. It was 
about this time that Char- 
ley Emathla was killed. 

Murder of General 
Thompson. Ever since 
his imprisonment Osceola 
had been thirsty for re- 

236 



SEMlNOLli WAR, I S35 1842. 



venge, though he quietly dissembled all appearance of 
his intention. In the latter part of December he lay 
in ambush near the agency of Fort King, seeking for 
a chance to shoot General Thompson ; but for two or 
three days no opportiniity presented itself. At last, 

however, on the 28th the doomed agent and 

Dec. Lieutenant Constantine Smith strolled out 

28 from the fort to enjoy an after-dinner cigar ; 

then every Indian rifle spoke, and both fell 
pierced by many balls. Their bodies were mutilated 
and scalped. Osceola then murdered the employees 
at the sutler's, and after firing the building containing 
the scalped bodies, hastily departed to join his con- 
federates at the Big Wahoo Swamp, on the Withla- 
cQOchee, but arrived too late for the massacre of Major 
Dade's command. The garrison, ignorant of the true 

number of the Seminoles, had remained in 
1835 the fort, afraid to send out aid to General 

Thompson and Lieutenant Smith. 

Massacre of Major Dade's Command. Major 
Francis L. Dade left Tampa for Fort King, one hun- 
dred and thirty miles distant to the north- 
Dec, east, December 21, with one hundred and 
21 thirty-nine men, one six-pounder field piece, 
and a light wagon containing ten days' pro- 
visions. As no one knew the route, Major Dade se- 
cured the services of Lewis, a slave of Antonio Pach- 
eco, described as faithful and trustworthy ; but Lewis 
informed the Indians of the intended march, and these 

Q. What unwise thing did General Thompson do? What 
was the agreement in reality? Give Osceola's conduct. 
Why did he lie in wait near Fort King? Give an account of 
the murder of General Thompson. Where did Osceola then 
go? How had the garrison at Fort King behaved? 

237 



selected the Big Wahoo Swamp as a place of rendez- 
vous. On the 28th as the Httle company marched 

along the road near the Withlacoochee in a 

Dec. country covered with palmettoes, a sudden 

28 volley from the concealed savages laid low 

one half of the devoted band. "The re- 
mainder quickly rallied, and with the six-pounder 
drove the enemy over a small hill. For three-quar- 
ters of an hour the fighting ceased. In these precious 
minutes, a small triangular breastwork of trunks of 
trees was hastily constructed, when the foe came 
sweeping down once more to the attack. And soon 
every white man was stretched out on the leaf-cov- 
ered ground, two only escaping to tell of the dreadful 
massacre, in which on a clear day, in open woods, a 
company of trained soldiers was almost annihilated by 
a band of painted savages. The negro Lewis pre- 
tended to fall at the first lire, and thus escaped to his 
Indian friends. 

Alligator stated that one hundred and eighty Semi- 
noles were engaged in this conflict. It is asserted that 
after the fight was over a band of fifty negroes rushed 

upon the field and mutilated the corpses and 
1835 hacked to death the wounded and dying. 

News of this disaster did not reach General 
Clinch at Fort Drane for some time, though it was 
known among the negroes of St. Augustine within 
twenty-four hours ; at least they knew that the whites 
had met with some calamity. 

Q. Give the size of Major Dade's command. Who acted 
as guide? What information did he give the Indians? Where 
did these make their rendezvous? Give an account of the 
first attack. What breastwork was hastily constructed? Give 
the result of the battle. How did Lewis escape? How many 
Seminoles were there? What is said of a band of negroes? 

238 



Dec. 

15 



Dec. 
31 



Battle of the Withlacoochee. On the death 
of Charley Emathla General (formerly 
Colonel) Clinch called for volunteers ; and 
several companies joined General Call at 
Newnansville, who by the 15th of December 

united with General Clinch. As the troops were only 
enlisted for thirty days, this officer at once put 
them in motion for the Withlacoochee, with- 
out any knowledge, however, of the disaster 
to Major Dade's command, and on the 31st 

had crossed that stream with some two hundred of 

his men, when they were fired on by a band of Semi- 

noles led by Osceola and 

Alligator. A hammock 

protected the front of the 

Indians, who fought brave- 
ly, and beat back two 

icharges of the soldiers. A 

third charge routed them. 

They fled, leaving five 

dead and several wounded : 

the whites had four killed 

and forty wounded. 

General Clinch returned 

to Fort Drane, where the 

volunteers disbanded, and 

he was left with one hundred and fifty men to hold 

Forts King, Drane, and Micanopy. Settlements in 

the interior were broken up, and the inhabitants fled to 

the larger towns. 

General Gaines. When General Gaines at New 
Orleans heard of the destruction of Major Dade's 
command, without waiting for orders, considering the 

239 




SCENE OF EARLY BATTLES. 



gravity of the situation required immediate action, he 
sailed for Tampa, and arrived at Fort Brooke 
1836 at the head of Hillsboro Bay on the loth of 
Feb. February. Three days later he set out for 
10 Fort King, passing on his way the fatal field 
where Major Dade's men had been annihi- 
Feb. lated. Arriving at Fort King, he found him- 
13 self without provisions Nothing was left 
but to return. Making a detour to display 
his force, he was seeking a ford on the Withlacoochee 
below the place he had crossed in coming, when the 
Indians opened fire from the opposite bank, so furi- 
ously as to preclude any idea of forcing a passage. 
General Gaines was reduced to a state of siege, and 
almost of starvation before General Clinch arrived and 
took command. The troops were marched to Fort 
Drane. 

In a parley with Captain Hitchcock of General 
Gaine's command, Osceola, Jumper, and Alligator 
agreed to make peace, if allowed to occupy the country 
south of the Withlacoochee. 

General Scott in Command. President Jack- 
son now ordered General Scott to take command of 
the Florida War. A beautiful campaign was planned 
on paper. One force was to move from Fort Drane, 
another from Volusia on the St. Johns, and a third 
from Tampa Bay, all to unite at the forks of the With- 
lacoochee, where it was expected the Indians would 

Q. How is the report of the massacre said to have trav- 
elled? What officers marched to the Withlacoochee? Give 
an account of the battle. Give the loss on both sides. How 
many men were left with General Clinch? What did the set- 
tlers do? What course of action did General Gaines adopt? 

240 



thus be cooped up. But General Scott did not know 
the ease with which they could slip through his lines. 
Not an Indian was caught. The Seminoles became 
more than ever convinced of the white man's weak- 
ness. General Scott was recalled; and General Jesup, 
who had been successful in compelling the Creeks 
to migrate from Alabama, was substituted in his place. 

Summer of 1836. As the heated term came on, the 
regular troops went into summer quarters ; the vol- 
unteers returned home. Fort King was 

1836 abandoned at the last of May, owing to the 
unhealthiness of the season ; and in July the 

May troops left Fort Drane, and Fort Micanopy 

July in the following month. All the settlements 

Aug. east of the St. Johns and south of Picolata 
were destroyed. Express riders were con- 
stantly cut off, and within seventeen miles of Jackson- 
ville the Johns family were murdered and their home 
b'.irned. 

Operations of General Call. General Jesup 
left the command of the troops for a time in the hands 
of General Call, as he had received no orders to direct 
his movements. General Armstrong was to join Gen- 
eral Call with twelve hundred Tennesseans, who were 
operating in the Creek country. The first operations 
were around the Withlacoochee, but nothing 

Nov. was accomplished, owing to the high water 
in the 'streams. Reinforced by some regu- 

Q. Give an account of his march to Fort King. Tell of 
his return. How was he relieved? On what did certain 
chiefs agree? Who now took command? Describe his plan 
to hem in the Seminoles. How did it succeed? Who took 
General Scott's place? What did the troops do during sum- 
mer? 

17 241 



lars and a band of Creeks, in November General Call 
again entered the country of the Withlacoochee, broke 
lip an Indian encampment, and in the Big Wahoo 
Swamp engaged a force of Seminoles for several hours 
but deemed it most prudent to retire. 

So far the Indians clearly had the best of the fight, 
inasmuch as they had driven the citizens and soldiers 
out of the country. 

Winter Campaign: 1836-37. Soon after the bat- 
tle at the Big Wahoo Swamp, General Thomas S. 
Jesup received the troops from General Call, which 




SEMINOLE WARRIOR. 



were increased to eight thousand men. Scarcity of 
provisions was no longer the cry as under former com- 
manders. As the stronghold of the Indians was in the 

Q. What forts were abandoned? Describe the condi- 
tion of the country. Who acted for a time at the head of the 
troops? Who was to join him? Where were his first oper- 
ations? Tell of the battle at the Big Wahoo Swamp. How 
did the Indians have the best of the fight? How many sol- 
diers did General Jesup have? What had been a cause of 
trouble before? 

242 



swamps near the Withlacoochee, it was determined to 
drive them from that region ; and so Colonel Foster 
advanced from Tampa, while General Jesup himself 
entered near the Big Wahoo Swamp. But the wary 
foe had moved. A prisoner informed the whites that 
the Seminoles had gone ofif in a southeasterly direc- 
tion. Establishing Fort Dade in the district that had 
been the centre of the Indian settlement and dismiss- 
ing the Tennesseans whose time had expired, the 
American commander started in pursuit of the fleeing 
Seminoles, going in the direction of the Everglades. 
Osarchee and his son were killed, but the main band 
escaped. Numerous herds of cattle fell into the hands 
of the soldiers, and women and children were cap- 
tured. An Indian prisoner sent out brought 
1837 in the interpreter Abraham, who had an inter- 
Feb. 3 view with General Jesup and then returned 
Mar. 6 to persuade the chiefs to come in for a "talk". 
On the 3rd of February he returned with 
Jumper, Alligator, and Halatoochie, who agreed to 
meet the general again at Fort Dade on the 6th of 
March, military operations to cease in the meantime. 
King Philip and his son Coacoochee, better known 
as "Wild Cat", with four hundred warriors made an 
attack on Fort Mellon, on Lake Monroe^ February 8, 
having heard there was only a small force in the ])lace. 
In this they were mistaken. A strong garrison had 
been lately thrown into Fort Mellon without their 

Q. What was the first move made by the new commander? 
Give an account of the pursuit of the Seminoles. What fort 
was estabHshed? Who was the Indian interpreter? What 
agreement was made with certain chiefs? Who attacked 
Fort Mellon? How had they made a mistake? 

243 



knowledge, and in consequence they were beaten back, 
but only after a stubborn fight of three hours. 

Conference at Fort Dade. The time for plant- 
ing was passing, and there was no prospect 
1837 that the war would stop. Accordingly, the 
Indians thought it best to keep the appoint- 
ment with General Jesup. Several chiefs came in, 
who agreed to remove south of the Withlacoochee and 
to prepare to migrate at once to the West. General 
Jesup promised that the negroes should accompany 
the Seminoles, and that the United States should pay 
for the cattle and ponies of the Indians. Those who 
were willing to move were to assemble at a post ten 
miles from Tampa, under the protection of the United 
States. ; 

Gathering of Seminoles. By the middle of May 
a considerable number gathered at the rendezvous, 
and twenty-five transports were ready to carry them 
to Arkansas. Osceola, King Philip, Coacoochee, and 
Coe Hadjo, encamped near Fort Mellon, drawing 
rations preparatory to departure. Settlers began to 
come back to their homes, and General Jesup declared 
the war to be at an end. As the Indians began to 
assemble, planters came to Tampa Bay to claim slaves 
which had run away, and even penetrated the Indian 
territory, so that an order had to be issued 
May forbidding any white man to enter the Semi- 
nole country without permission of the War 
Department. 

All went well so far. There were about seven hun- 
dred Seminoles, counting their families and negroes, 
at the rendezvous ; when on the 2nd of June Osceola 
came to the camp and induced the whole party to seek 

244 



again their fastnesses in the Everglades. He told them 
that if they went on board the transports, the soldiers 
would cut their throats ; and that smallpox, a terrible 
scourge to the Indian, had broken out in the fort. 

Measles had, indeed, m'ade their appearance. 
1 83 1 When Colonel Harney threatened that if they 

did not abide by the treaty, "the United States 
would exterminate them, "Wild Cat" answered that 
the Great Spirit might exterminate them, but the pale 
faces could not ; else, why had they not done so before? 
The number of Indians who had come in made it ap- 
pear that they really intended to move, and were not 
merely seeking to gain time. 

News of the scattering caused great consternation. 
Settlers fled again to the posts. Volunteers were 
called for from Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, 
Tennessee, and Kentucky, and preparations were 
made for an active campaign as soon as the weather 
would permit. During the last campaign thirty of the 
enemy had been killed, and upwards of five hundred 
prisoners secured. 

Capture of Osceola. In September General Her- 
nandez secured King Philip. Later Osceola and one 

hundred others, through the mediation of 
Sept. "Wild Cat", came in to the camp about 

twenty miles from St. Augustine, under a 
flag of truce ; but on the ground that the Seminoles 
had capitulated at Fort Dade, and "that Osceola had 

Q. Why did the Indians keep the appointment at Fort 
Dade? What did certain chiefs agree to? What did General 
Jesup promise? Where did the Seminoles gather? Who 
were at Fort Mellon? What did General Jesup declare about 
the war? Why was any white man forbidden to enter the 
Indian country? Who induced the Indians to scatter? How? 

245 



brought in his family to Fort Mellon, and received 
rations for his band", they were made prisoners by 
order of General Jesup, and carried to St. Augustine. 
Osceola was conveyed to Fort Moultrie, near Charles- 
ton, where all efforts to interest him in a new home 
failed. He pined away, and died of a broken heart. 
His tomb is marked by a monument just outside the 
principal gate of the fort. 

Escape of "Wild Cat" from Fort Marion. 
"Wild Cat" was imprisoned in one of the dungeons 

of old Fort Marion, with one small window 
1837 many feet above the ground. Reducing his 

body by means of medicines, he managed to 
squeeze through the embrazure on a dark night, and 
with his fellow prisoner escaped to his band. He sub- 
sequently became one of the leading chiefs, and aided 
materially in the removal of the Seminoles to the 
West. 

Cherokee Delegation. At this time a delega- 
tion of Cherokees visited the Seminoles to try to per- 
suade them to remove to the lands allotted them by the 
United States, and assured them that their lives and 
property would be protected. Coe Hadjo acted as 
guide. Micanopy, Cloud, and other chiefs came in, 
and agreed to carry out the treaty ; but the warriors 
failed to appear. The seizure of certain chiefs who 
had been brought in by the Cherokees, so disgusted 

Q. What reply did "Wild Cat" make to Colonel Harney? 
Why did it seem that the Indians really intended to move? 
What was the effect of the departure of the Indians? How 
many Indians were secured in the last campaign? Give an 
account of the capture of Osceola. Tell of his death. Where 
was "Wild Cat" imprisoned? 

246 



them that they gave up trying to end the war, and re- 
turned to their homes in the West. 

Pursuit of Seminoles. The troops were in con- 
stant pursuit of the Indians. It thus became diffi- 
cult for them to hide their women and children, or to 
transport food for them during the winter season. 
Many settlements in the northern border of the Ever- 
glades were broken up by General Eustis, who was 
enabled to penetrate these by means of posts and de- 
pots of supplies on the Upper St. Johns. 

Battle of Okeechobee. Orders coming from 
General Jesup to find the enemy wherever he could. 
General Zachary Taylor set out on the 19th of Decem- 
ber with a force of eleven hundred men, part of whom 
were Delaware and "bloody" Shawnee Indians who 
engaged in the war for the sake of plunder. His line 
of march lay towards the southwest, in the 
1837 supposed direction of Sam Jones' camp. As 
the army was on its way. Jumper and a few 
families came in, and were sent to Tampa to be trans- 
ported. On the third day unmistakable signs of In- 
dians were seen, and during that night and the fol- 
lowing, care was taken to station a strong guard. All 
the morning of the 24th the enemy kept ahead 
Dec. just out of rifle reach, until before noon they 
24 took position in a dense swamp covered by a 
morass through which ran a muddy stream. 

Q. Give an account of his escape. What did he become? 
Why did a Cherokee delegation visit Florida? With v^^hat 
result? Why was it difficult for the Seminoles to care for 
their women and children? Where were many settlements 
broken up? Give General Taylor's force with which he set 
out. Whose camp was he looking for? 

247 



The volunteers sent in first, losing their commanding 
officer, Colonel Gentry, fled, and could not be re- 
formed. The regulars under Colonel Thompson 
steadily advanced, but these, too, were forced to retire, 
one company having only four men unhurt. Colonel 
Foster, however, with the fourth infantry, succeeded 
in gaining the hammock, charged on the Seminoles, 
and drove them from the field. Nearly three hours 
the battle raged. Nine Indians were killed, and eleven 




BATTLE OF OKEECHOBEE. 



wounded, while on the ground lay twenty-six pale 
faces dead, and one hundred and twelve wounded. 

This was the hardest fought contest of the war. 
Never again did the Seminoles fight a standing battle, 
but depended on the climate and the country to wage 
the war for them. 

General Jesup Secures More Indians. Many 
of the officers wxre worn out by a war that brought 
damage but no glory. Influ'cnced by these, 

248 



General Jesup offered the Indians peace in Feb-^ 
rtiary, 1838, but would not allow them to 
": remain in the country unless the government 
should agree, which agreement he strongly 
urged in his report to the department. While awaiting 
the government's decision, the Indians assembled in 
Q „ camp near Fort Jupiter. Secretary of War 
Poinsett replied that the original treaty must 
be carried out. Knowing that if this decision should 
be learned every Indian would leave, General Jesup 
directed that all should be secured, and thus captured 
five hundred and seventeen Indians and one hundred 
and sixty-five negroes, who were removed to Tampa. 
Further Movements. One expedition explored the 
extremity of the peninsula ; another under Lieutenant- 
Colonel Bankhead entered the Everglades, captured a 
sub-chief and forty-seven of his followers, and hotly 
pursued Sam Jones, but failed to overtake him. In 
April General Jesup himself set out from Fort Jupiter 
to find the A/ficcosukies and Tallahassees, who had 
assembled at the mouth of the Withlacoochee ; but he 
was at this time superseded by General Taylor. 

First Transportation to the West. In all 

twenty-four hundred Indians, seven hundred being 

warriors, had been taken up to this time. May 

May 15, 1838; many villages had been destroyed, 

15 and large numbers of horses, cattle, and 

other stock captured or killed. The first 

Q. Who surrendered? How far ahead did the Indians 
keep? What position did they take? Give an account of 
the battle. How long did it last? Give the loss on both 
sides. How did the Indians fight thereafter? Why did Gen- 
eral Jesup offer the Indians peace? What did he urge in his 
report? Where did the Indians assemble? 

249 



band of twelve hundred and twenty-nine emigrated 

in May under the charge of Lieutenant Rey- 
May nolds. A second party of three hundred 

and thirty followed in June. At New Or- 
leans attempts were made by unscrupulous persons to 
get possession of certain negroes, who, it was claimed, 
had run away from their masters ; but the attempts 
failed, though occasioning vexation and delay. 

It will be remembered that a deputation of Semi- 
noles once visited the lands in the West that were to be 

allotted them. But now, though the In- 
1832-33 dians were on their way, no provision had 

been made for them ; and they would not 
join with the Creeks, as the government intended. 
Most generously did the Cherokees ofifer the emi- 
grants a home with them until a separate and distinct 
district should be measured ofT for their use. Savages 
thus showed more humanity than the civilized white 
man. (See map on p. 267.) 



Q. What did the Secretary of War reply to General Jesup? 
How many Indians and negroes were secured? Give some 
further movements of the troops. Who superseded General 
Jesup? What had the American troops accomplished? Give 
an account of the transportation of the Indians. What pro- 
vision had been made for them? 

250 



CPIAPTER XIX. 

SEMINOLE WAR, continued— GENERAL TAYLOR 
—MAJOR-GENERAL MACOMB— BLOODHOUNDS 
—CAPTURE OF "WILD CAT"— THE "GALLANT" 
WORTH— RETURN OF "WILD CAT"— END OF 
WAR. 



General Zachary Taylor in Command. The 
first act of any importance in General Taylor's period 
of command was the removal west of two hundred 
Apalaches from West Florida. The winter campaign 
of 1838-39 was 



1838 
Oct. 



conducted o n 

the plan of a di- 
vision of the country in- 
to military districts, each 
under the command of 
an officer responsible for 
the activity of the troops 
under hiuL Active in- 
deed were these ; but few 
Indians were seen. They 
no longer gave battle. 
Dividing ' into small 
bands, they eagerly eluded pursuit, and by their rapid 
movements appeared unexpectedly in most distant sec- 
tions of the territory, almost in sight of Tallahassee 
even, and St. Augustine. General Taylor now de- 
termined to divide the country into small squares, 
each containing a block-house, under an officer 

251 




GEN. ZACHARY TAYLOR. 



with a squad of infantry and mounted men, with 

orders to patrol his square every third 

May day. But the estabhshment of these was in- 

1839 terrupted by the arrival of Major-General 

Macomb from Washington, May, 1839, "to 

make an arrangement with the Seminoles". 

Failure of General Macomb. Runners were 
sent out to invite the chiefs to a conference. Halleck- 
Tustenuggee acted as spokesman for the Seminoles. 
For the present the Indians agreed to dwell below 
Pease Creek and Lake Okeechobee, and not to go out 
of bounds ; and no white man was to enter the limits 
assigned them. General Macomb described in his 
report the joy manifested by them at the prospect of 
peace, and announced to the army, to the authorities, 
and to the citizens, that the war was ended with the 
Seminoles. Under such assurance the settlers began 
to return, hoping to plant at least part of a crop ; Gen- 
eral Macomb returned to Washington, and General 
Taylor was left in command. June passed of¥ quietly, 
Every one was rejoicing at the return of peace when 
the very next month brought hostilities everywhere, 
and the territory was as insecure as before the arrival 
of General Macomb, who, in fact, merely protracted 
the war. 

Attack on Colonel Harney. On the 22nd of 
July, at daybreak, Indians numbering two hundred 
and fifty under Checkika and Billy Bowlegs, fell 

Q. What was the first act of importance under General 
Taylor? How was the winter campaign conducted? How 
did the Indians fight? Give General Taylor's second plan. 
How was this interrupted? 

252 



on Colonel Harney's camp near the Caloosahatchie, 
where he was erecting a trading-house. Out 
July of thirty men eighteen were killed. Colonel 
2.2 Harney escaped himself only by swimming 
out to a fishing smack anchored in the, river 
nearby. The two negro interpreters, Sandy and Sam- 
son, were taken captive, and the former was killed next 
day. Up to the time of the attack, the Indians had 
been very friendly, coming in every day and express- 
ing their pleasure at the arrangements made 

1839 with the government. As soon as the news 
of the massacre was heard at Fort Mellon, 

Lieutenant Hanson seized some thirty who had come 
in to trade. 

The end of the war seemed as far ofif as it did three 
years before, and indeed farther, because the Indians 
had learned to despise troops whom they could so 
easily deceive. 

Bloodhounds. At last General Taylor consented to 
adopt the plan of hunting out the flitting bands 

1840 of Seminoles by means of bloodhounds; but 
he said, "I wish it distinctly understood that 

my object in employing dogs is only to ascertain where 
the Indians can be found, not to worry them". 
Colonel Fitzpatrick, as agent, procured thirty-three of 
these animals from Cuba, and fifty-eight Spaniards to 
manage them, for they had been trained in the Spanish 
language. The cost of each animal was one hundred 

Q. Give the agreement between General Macomb and the 
Indians. What did he say of the Indians? What effect did 
this report have? How long did peace last? What effect did 
General Macomb have on the war? Give an account of the 
attack on Colonel Harney's camp. How had the Indians 
acted before the attack? 

253 



and fifty-one dollars and seventy-two cents. But the 
scheme failed ; the dogs had been trained to track ne- 
groes, and would not notice the trail of an Indian. 

Murder of Doctor Perrine. A body of Spanish 
Indians dwelling in the extremity of the peninsula, 

urged to hostility by the Seminoles, on the 
Aug. 7 7th of August attacked the settlement on 

Indian Key, where a distinguished botanist. 
Dr. Perrine, was engaged in raising tropical fruits. He 
was killed in an upper room of his dwelling; but his 
wife and children escaped to a vessel in the harbor, to 
which others also succeeded in making their way. 

General Armistead Relieves General Tay- 
lor. Having now been in command for two years, 

General Taylor asked to be relieved ; and 
1840 Brigadier-General Armistead was appointed 

in his stead. Matters went on as before ; 
expeditions were as fruitless as ever; and as 
swiftly came death from an invisible foe. A dele- 
gation of Seminoles came from the West to ex- 
ert their influence towards the transportation of the 
others ; but nothing came of it. 

Further Hostilities. While Mrs. Montgomery, 
wife of Major Montgomery, was travelling from Mi- 
canopy under a military escort, she was struck from 
her horse by a shot from a hammock near the road. 
Cosa-Tustenuggee, fearing the consequences of this 
act, surrendered, and his entire band of thirty- two 
warriors and sixty women and children were sent be- 

Q. What did Lieutenant Hanson do at Fort Mellon? Why 
did the end of the war seem farther than ever? For what 
were bloodhounds to be used? How many hounds were se- 
cured? What was their cost? Why did the scheme fail? 
Relate the circumstance of Dr. Perrine's murder. 

254 



yond the Mississippi. In consequence of this murder 
orders came from Washington for a more vigorous 
prosecution of the war, and these orders were shortly 
followed by an appropriation by Congress of one mil- 
lion of dollars. Indians began to appear in their old 
haunts on the Ocklockonee, on the Withlacoochee,and 
in Okefinokee Swamp. As Waxehadjo, a leader in 
killing express riders and travellers, was roasting the 
head of one of his victims near Tampa Bay, a company 
of dragoons came up, drove him into a pond, and there 
killed him. 

In December Colonel Harney made an incursion 
into the hitherto unexplored region below Pease 
Creek, which was held by Billy Bowlegs, the 
Dec. prophet, and Shiver and Shakes. Checkika, 
chief of the Spanish Indians, was killed. This 
expedition so intimidated the Indians that they re- 
sorted to their old trick of having a "talk", and as their 
good faith could only be known by trying 
1 84 1 them, rations were issued to them, and mili- 
tary operations ceased. When they had 
Apr. gained their object, namely, time to plant 
crops, they all to a man disappeared in April. 
Mch. In March the Tallahassee chief, Echo-E- 
Mathler, was taken with sixty of his band, 
and sent west. 

The policy of the government in oiTering peace at 
one time and war at another, merely resulted in caus- 
ing the Indians to prolong the contest. Such, too, 

Q. Who succeeded General Taylor? How did matters 
go on? What delegation came from the West? Tell of the 
murder of Mrs. Montgomery. Where did the Indians begin 
to reappear? Tell of the killing of Waxehadjo. Give an 
account of the incursion of Colonel Harney. What efifect 
did it have? 

255 



was the effect of changing plans, officers, and troops. 
Now was the fifth year of the war, and the Seminoles 
still remained in Florida. 

Capture of Coacoochee or "Wild Cat." In 
February, while operating along the Kissimee, Colonel 
W. J. Worth — the gallant Worth— had "Wild 
Feb. Cat" brought in to him arrayed in a gor- 
geous attire which he had taken from a band 
of strolling actors within 
six miles of St. Augus- 
tine. He agreed to bring 
his band to the camp, but 
in ten days returned to 
report that he could not 
collect them, because 
t he y were scattered. 
Meeting General Arm- 
strong, he made a similar 
promise ; but in April and 
May he frequently came 
in, and reported that he 
could do nothing, owing 
to the movements of the 
troops. And at the same 
time he was makingheavy 
demands for whiskey and 
rations. This satisfied 
Major Childs that he was 




Giddings' Exiles. 



rOACOOCHEE. 



Q. What object did the Indians have in coming in? What 
was the policy of the government? How long had the war 
already lasted? Who was brought in to Colonel Worth? 
What did "Wild Cat" agree to do? Give his behavior. 
-What order did Major Childs issue? What was done with 
Coacoochee when he came in? 

256 



merely practising deception, and accordingly, the 
major issued an order for his arrest the first time he 
should come in. Coacoochee appeared on 
June the 15th of June, when he was seized, and 
15 with his uncle, brother, and sixteen follow- 
ers, was hurried away to Arkansas. 

General Worth Succeeds General Armistead. 

As the result of the year's work, General Armistead 

could only show the capture of four hundred 

1 841 and fifty Indians, of whom one hundred and 

twenty were warriors. In May he asked to 

May be relieved. The government assigned the 

conmiand to General (lately Colonel) W. J. 

Worth, the eighth officer who had held that office — 

but a better choice could not have been made. 

Summer Campaign. Having all the mistakes of his 
predecessors before him, and fully recognizing that 
their failure had been due to the cessation of hostili- 
ties on the part of the troops, General Worth deter- 
mined to prosecute the war during the summer, and 
organized the troops under his command in the most 
effective manner. The order was simply, "Find the 
enemy, capture, or exterminate". Simultaneous 
movements were made in every district ; boats went up 
the Withlacoochee, and every swamp between the At- 
lantic and the Gulf was explored. Fields and cribs 
were destroyed in the hammocks and on the islands 
of the swamps. Tiger Tail, seated on the top of a tree, 
watched the destruction of his corn crib, on which he 
depended for sustenance for the coming year. The 
troops were engaged for twenty-five days, with the 
thermometer averaging 86°; but of the six hundred 
18 257 



men employed only one-fourlh were compelled to go 
to the hospital. 

At a council of the Seminoles they decided to slay 
any messenger, white, red, or black, who came to treat 
of surrender. The simultaneous movements of the 
numerous companies of soldiers at the season when 
usually military operations were suspended had a very 
disheartening effect on the Indians. 

Return of Coacoochee. As soon as General 
Worth learned of the capture and transportation of 
"Wild Cat", he at once despatched a messen- 
184 1 ger to overtake the party and bring him and 
his companions back to Tampa Bay. Here 
July 4 General Worth met the chief, who had be- 
come after the death of Osceola the most 
active and enterprising of the Seminole leaders. On 
the 4th of July the American commander and his staff 
boarded the transport, where the young Indian chief 
and his friends were sitting on deck, heavily ironed. 
Taking Coacoochee by the hand. General Worth ad- 
dressed him in words calculated to stir an Indian's 
vanity. He spoke of Coacoochee's bravery, of the 
noble fight he had made for his country, of his wise 
counsel, which his nation was wont to follow ; then, of 
the murders committed and the destruction brought 
on the harmless settlers ; and he declared that Coa- 
coochee was the man to end the war. A time was 

Q. Give the result of the year's work. Who was placed 
in command? How did General Worth determine to carry 
on the war? Give his order. Give the movements of the 
troops. What did Tiger Tail watch? How well did the 
troops endure the summer campaign? What did the Semi- 
noles decide? What effect did the movements of the troops 
have on them? 

258 



given him, as long as he wished, to bring in his band. 
If they did not come by the day agreed on, Coacoo- 
chee and his companions should surely hang from 
the yard-arm of the ship. 

Slowly the chief rose, and in a low tone replied, amid 
the silence of the company. He related the encroach- 
ment of the whites, who offered peace in one hand, 
while the other held a serpent which stung the Indian ; 
he declared that he only wished a spot of earth in which 
to lay his wife and child ; but the white man was too 
strong. He was ready to go to Arkansas ; but he 
could not call in his band, cliained as he was. If he 
could go to them a free man, they would surrender. 

General Worth told him that he could not go; but 
he might send three or five of his men to carry his 
"talk", and that thirty, forty, or fifty days would be 
granted them. Calling five of his companions, the 
chief gave them his "talk", reciting all his services and 
his claims upon his band, giving them forty sticks, 
representing forty days, the last and fortieth being 
larger than the rest and having blood upon it. Every 
member of his band must be in within forty days. 

Coming in of "Wild Cat's" Band. The messen- 
gers departed, and with them old Micco, who had been 
instrumental in persuading "Wild Cat" to come in the 
first time to General (then Colonel) Worth's camp. In 
ten days Micco returned with six warriors and a num- 
ber of women and children. Small parties continued 
to arrive. At first the chief was sad and dejected, but 
gradually brightened ; and when he learned at the end 

Q. What did General Worth do when he heard of the cap- 
ture of "Wild Cat"? What is to be said of this Seminole as a 
leader? Give an account of the meeting. What did General 
Worth say "Wild Cat" must do? Give Coacoochee's reply. 

259 



of the month that all were in, he was much relieved, 
and requested that his chains be taken off, that he 
might meet his men "like a man". This was done. 
Gaily bedecked in his turban of crimson silk in which 
waved three ostrich plumes, with his breast covered 
with glittering silver ornaments, his colored frock fas- 
tened by a red silk girdle into which a scalping knife 
was thrust, his legs encased in red leggins and orna- 
mented moccasins, — arrayed in all this magnificence, 
Coacoochee was rowed to the beach. Stepping ashore, 
he gave a shrill war-whoop, which reechoed in the for- 
ests and was repeated by his warriors. He then passed 
on to headquarters, and saluted General Worth : after 
this he addressed his people, thanking them for obey- 
ing his summons, and declaring that he was done with 
war. "The rifle is hid," he said, "and the white and 
red man are friends." 

"Wild Cat" was not the great warrior he imagined 
himself, yet he desired to appear so, and was anxious 

to increase his influence in the West by in- 
184 1 ducing as many as possible to go with him. 

At his wish, the army ceased operating in 
some degree, except on the frontier, though scouting 
parties still patrolled the country. 

Coacoochee Influences Certain Chiefs to 
Come in. A messenger from "Wild Cat" brought in 
his brother Otulkee and five companions. Otulkee 
gave Coacoochee a message from Hospetarkee, that 

Q. Give General Worth's reply. Tell of the chief's send- 
ing for his band. Tell of the coming of the Indians. How 
did "Wild Cat" behave? Describe his attire when he was 
rowed to the beach. How did he act on shore? What did 
he declare to his people? 

260 



he was coming to see him. "Wild Cat" went out to 
meet him, and induced him to come in for a "talk", 
which took place on board a transport, where Hospe- 
tarkee, with eighteen of his followers, was held. When 
"W^ild Cat" visited Tiger Tail, the latter insisted on 
conversing with Alligator, who was then be- 

Oct. yond the Mississippi. On his arrival, Alli- 
gator had an interview with Tiger Tail and 
Halleck-Tustenuggee, but accomplished nothing be- 
yond the surrender of a part of their bands in October. 

In this month Coacoochee and Hospetarkee asked 
to be sent to their future homes. Accordingly, they 
and their warriors, two hundred and eleven in all, 
sailed for New Orleans, and from there to Arkansas. 

Subsequent History of Coacoochee. This 
Chief was always a protector of the negroes among the 
Seminoles. In 1850 he went from the Indian Terri- 
tory to Mexico with three hundred negroes whom the 
Creeks were endeavoring to enslave, and for a time 
remained with them in that country. Two years later 
he returned, and, though pursued, escaped with a 
number of slaves belonging to the Creeks. He was 
afterwards heard of at the head of a band of Coman- 
ches. 

Indians of Cypress Swamp. In the Big Cypress 
Swamp the desperate characters of all the Semi- 

Q. Why did "Wild Cat" wish others to go with him? 
What influence did his wish have on the movements of the 
troops? Tell of Otulkee and Hospetarkee. On what did 
Tiger Tail insist? What did Alligator accomplish? Give 
the number carried west with Coacoochee and Hospetarkee. 
Give the subsequent history of Coacoochee. 

261 




From Mrs. Moore IVillson's "Seminoles of Florida" . 

ONE OF THE LAST BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE THE SEMINOLE WAR. 



nole tribes assembled, as well as some Creeks 
from Georgia. The prophet, a Creek, held 

• 1 84 1 complete sway, and woe to the man, white 

Aug. or red, who dared to appear among them. 

Sole-Micco, a Seminole chief, came into a 

post below Pease Creek in August, hotly pursued by 

warriors from the prophet's band. 

Further Movements. A land and naval expedi- 
tion went through the Everglades, and also through 
the extremity of the peninsula and the Big Cypress 
Swamp. Indian fields and huts were destroyed ; but 
the Indians themselves escaped to the coast, although 
those who fled to the southeast fell into the hands of 
Major Wade. War became continual. There w^ere 
now no hiding-places for the Indians and powder and 
ball began to be too scarce for hunting, which was 
also dangerous, since the sound of the rifle would be- 
tray the hunter. Small bands, however, kept 
Dec. up a state of uneasiness in various parts of 
20 the territory. When the men of Mandarin 
were absent on a hunt, Halleck-Tustenuggee 
fell on the town, and killed two men, two women, and 
one child. As Mandarin was within twelve 
1842 miles of Jacksonville, great consternation 
Feb. 5 prevailed. About this time sixty-seven of 
Apr. the warriors of Billy Bowlegs and Sam Jones 
10 were taken. In February of the following 
year two hundred and thirty Seminoles were 

Q. What was the character of the Indians in the Big Cy- 
press Swamp? Who held sway over them? Tell of a land 
and naval expedition. What was the condition of the In- 
dians? Relate the attack on Mandarin. What warriors 
were taken? What can you say of Halleck-Tustenuggee? 

263 



carried from the country, and one hundred more in 
April. 

General Worth himself took charge of the pursuit 
of Halleck-Tustenuggee, the most active and vindic- 
tive of all the chiefs. A perfect master of woodcraft, 
he would often cover his tracks so completely that 
pursuit was impossible. When General 
1842 Worth supposed that he had the chief com- 
pletely surrounded in the Pilaklikaha Swamp, 
his band, dividing into small parties, escaped through 
the lines. He was persuaded to come in for a "talk" 
by his father-in-law, "King of the Lakes", and a sec- 
ond time at Fort King, where General Worth secured 
him. His band was seized at a feast, numbering 
thirty-two warriors and thirty-eight women and chil- 
dren, a number small, but sufficient to keep the coun- 
try in a state of alarm. 

West of the Suwannee dwelt Halpater-Tustenug- 
gee, chief of a band of Creeks and outlaws. In revenge 
for the destruction of his settlement, he crossed the 
Suwannee, attacked a settler's family, fired on some 
troops, and succeeded in joining Octiarche in Waca- 
sassa Hammock. 

In February General Worth, calculating that one 
hundred and twelve warriors and one hundred and 
eighty-nine women and children remained, 
Feb. recommended that these be allowed to reside 
temporarily below Pease Creek. The re- 
commendation was not at first received with 
favor, but was finally approved in the Presi- 
dent's message, May 10, and orders were issued ac- 
cordingly. 

War Announced as Ended. On the 14th of Au- 
264 



gust General Worth issued general order No. 28, 
announcinc: that the war was closed. To the 




SEMINOLE RESERVATION. 



Aug. 14 



few Indians remaining was assigned a territory 
extending from the mouth of Pease Creek 
to the fork of its southern branch, thence 
to the head of Lake Istokpoga, thence down to 
the Kissimee, from where the line ran to Lake Okee- 
chobee, striking from here through the Everglades to 

265 



the Shark River, and thence running along the coast 
to the point of original departure. To pro- 

1842 tect settlers from attacks of the Indians, 
block-houses were established in the habit- 
able part of the country. 

General Worth now proceeded to Washington, 
where he was received with great consideration, and 
was presented by the President with a commission of 
brigadier-general, conferred for his "gallantry and 
highly distinguished services". 

Renewed Hostility. While negotiations were 
going on with the Indians, Colonel Vose received news 
that a party of ten had attacked San Pedro in Madison 
county, the most popular section of the country. Much 
criticism was evoked by this circumstance against the 
methods taken to bring the war to a close, and 
orders came from the War Department to muster the 
militia to punish the Indians. But Colonel 

Nov. Vose wisely refrained from acting, explain- 
ing the true state of affairs. General Worth 
resumed command in November. Octiarche and Tiger 
Tail had been for some time carrrying on negotiations, 
always accompanied by demands for rations and whis- 
key. Finding out that Octiarche would likely be in- 
volved in difBculties with Billy Bowlegs over the posi- 
tion of head-chief. General Worth had him secured ; 
and soon after effected the capture of Tiger Tail and 

Q. Tell of his escape from General Worth. How was he 
secured? How was his band captured? Where did Hal- 
pater-Tustenuggee operate? What did he do to revenge the 
destruction of his settlement? Give the number of Indians 
in Florida at this time. What did General Worth recom- 
mend? What order did he issue? Give the territory as- 
signed to the Seminoles. 

266 



his warriors. On the Ocklochonee Colonel Hitch- 
cock pursued Pascoffer so closely as to compel him 
to surrender with his party of thirty w^omen and chil- 




INDIAN TEKKITORV, IS46 



dren and twenty-nine warriors. Sam Jones and Billy 
Bowlegs were the only chiefs now remaining in the 
country. 

End of the Seminole War. The war was con- 

Q. How were the settlers to be protected? How was 
General Worth treated at Washington? What place was 
suddenly attacked? What orders did Colonel Vose receive 
from Washington? What did he do in regard to them? 
Tell of the capture of Octiarche. Whom did Colonel Hitch- 
cock capture? What chiefs remained in the country? To 
whom was the credit of ending the war given? 

267 



sidered as closed. Though his methods were by some 
criticised, all agreed in giving General Worth 

1842 the credit for solving in a most economical 
way the question that had puzzled all his pre- 
decessors, and for ending the war. 

' In November, 1843, General Worth calculated that 
there were in Florida forty-two Seminoles, 

1843 thirty-three Miccosukies, ten Creeks, ten Tal- 
Nov. lahassees — in all ninety-five warriors, to 

which two hundred and five was to be added 

1845 for women and children. Two years later 

Captain Sprague estimated the entire number 

at three hundred and sixty. At this time Sam Jones 

was ninety-two years old. 

From December 28, 1835, to August 14, 1842, rep- 
resents a period of nearly seven years of the 
1835 most disgraceful war the United States ever 
Dec. waged with a weaker nation. Her best gen- 
28 erals had been employed, and her entire army, 
numbering at one time under General Jesup 
1842 nearly nine thousand men against scarcely 
Aug. more than two thousand warriors, at a cost 
14 of forty millions of dollars. She lost one 
thousand four hundred and sixty-six soldiers, 
two hundred and fifteen of them officers. 

Since 1842 the Indians have committed depreda- 
tions on two separate occasions, but a short campaign 
of the State troops sufificed each time to drive them 
back to their territory. 

Q. Give some estimates of the number of Seminoles re- 
maining in Florida. How old was Sam Jones in 1845? How 
long did the war last? What can you say of it? Give the 
force employed and the cost. How many men did the United 
States lose? What depredations have the Seminoles commit- 
ted since 1842? 

268 



CHAPTER XX. 



TERRITORIAL "GOVERNORS — ADMISSION OF 
FLORIDA INTO THE UNION— RAILROADS- 
FLORIDA IN i860. 

Governor R. K. Call, and Other Governors. 
Wni. P. Duval remained governor of the 
1822-34 territory of Florida until 1834, when Presi- 
Jackson appointed in his place General John 
B. Eaton, who had been a member of Jack- 
son's cabinet, and was 
famous for his marriage 
with "Peg" O'Neil. Re- 
signing in 1835, 
1835-39 General Eaton 
was succeeded 
by another of Jackson's 
old o fifi c e r s , 
1841-44 General Rich- 
ard Keith Call. 
Governor Call was born 
near Petersburg, Va., in 
1 79 1, served as an aide 
to General Jackson in 
the wars of the early part 
of the present century, 
and for this reason looked upon himself as one of the 
founders of the nation. He was a member of the first 
legislative council of Florida, and its first territorial 
delegate in Congress. President Jackson appointed 
him governor of Florida in 1835, an office which he 

269 




GOV. R. K. CALL, 1835-4O, 184I-44. 



held until December, 1839, when he lost it because of 
a controversy with the Secretary of War in Van 
Buren's cabinet. For a time Governor Call com- 
manded the troops operating against the Seminoles. 
After his removal from office he turned Whig and 
worked to secure the election of Harrison, by whom 
he was reappointed governor in March, 1841, which 
he continued to be till August, 1844. He was never 
forgiven by the people of Florida for turning Whig, 
and for this reason he failed in 1845 to secure the elec- 
tion to the governorship of the new State. General 
Call took great interest in the upbuilding of Florida. 
He himself planned and had constructed the third 
railroad in the United States, from Tallahassee to 
Port Leon near St. Marks. At the opening of the 
Civil War he was one of the few Southern men who 
did not advocate secession, though he defended the 
institution of slavery. The second year of the war saw 
the end of his life, September, 1862. 

On the removal of Governor Call in 1839 President 
Van Buren appointed as his successor Robert 
1839-41 Raymond Reed (1839-41). After his second 
1844-45 term Governor Call was succeeded in 1844 
by John Branch (1844-45), who had been Sec- 
retary of War for President Jackson. Governor 
Branch was in oflfice at the time Florida was admitted 
as a State into the Union. 

Admission of Florida into the Union. For a 
number of years a warm discussion was kept up 

Q. Who succeeded Governor Duval? Who became gov- 
ernor on the resignation of Governor Eaton? Why did Gen- 
eral Call regard himself as one of the founders of the nation? 
What offices did he hold? Who appointed him governor the 
second time? 

270 



whether Florida should be admitted into the Union as 
a single State, or as two, East and West Florida, 
which would require her to wait until each section 
should have a sufficient population to enter alone. 
Once or twice the question of waiting was referred to 
the people of the territory and it was decided at the 
polls not to wait. 

A convention assembled at St. Josephs on the 3rd 
of December, 1838, to frame a constitution 
1838 preparatory to asking for admission; but at 
Dec. 3 this time the population of the territory was 
not sufficient ; and though later a petition was 
1845 addressed to Congress, the bill admitting 
Mch. 3 Florida to the Union was not passed till 1845, 
receiving the President's signature of ap- 
proval on the 3rd of March. A motion in the House 
of Representatives to form two States was lost. 

According to the constitution of the new State the 
Governor was to serve for a term of four years with a 
salary of one thousand two hundred dollars. In case 
of ^his death the president of the Senate was to 
fill the chair left vacant. Senators were to be elected 
for two years, representatives for one, and these 
latter were not to exceed sixty in number. 
The legislature was to meet annually on the first Mon- 
day of November. United States courts were also 
established, but the old officers of the territorial coiu'ts 

Q. Why did Governor Call fail to be elected governor of 
the new State? What railroad did he build? What were his 
views at the opening of the Civil War? Give his successors. 
What warm discussion was kept up for a number of years? 
What convention was held in 1838? When did the bill ad- 
milting Florida to the Union receive the President's signa- 
ture? 

271 



were continued in office owing to suits in which the 
general government was involved. 

Florida had at first only one representative in the 
House of Representatives at Washington. This rep- 




• •■•■ <,.,^ "" 

FLORIDA IN 1S46. 

resentation was not changed till the census of 1870, 
two representatives being sent to Congress for the first 
time in 1872. 

As a supplementary act to the bill of admission, 
Congress set aside section number sixteen of every 

272 



township for school purposes, and two entire town- 
ships for two seminaries, one east, the other west of 
the Suwannee. Five per cent, of all public lands sold 
within the State by Congress was also set aside for 
education. At this time the Register of Public Lands 
acted also as Superintendent of Education. 

Repudiation. It will be remembered that in the 

30's several banks were established whose capital was 

wholly or in part guaranteed by the territory. 

1845 After the failure of the Union Bank the judi- 
ciary conmiittee of the legislature decided in 
1840 that the territory was not liable for the debt of 
the bank, on the ground that the governor and the 
legislature could not pledge the faith and credit of the 
people. All the governors, except Governor Call, 
fostered this belief. When it became necessary for the 
new State to assume this indebtedness, she adopted a 
scheme of repudiation based on the idea that her new 
form of government released her from all former obli- 
gations with regard to the bank. At the same time 
the State also repudiated the debt arising from the op- 
erations of the Bank of Pensacola and from the South- 
ern Life Lisurance and Trust Company. In all three 
million nine hundred thousand dollars were repudi- 
ated. 

First State Election. On the 5th of April. 
1845, Governor Branch issued a writ fixing the 26th 
of May as the date for the election of a gov- 

Q. Give the length of the governor's term of office and his 
salary. Give the term of office of the senators and repre- 
sentatives, and the number of the latter; the day of meeting 
of the legislature. How many representatives did Florida 
have? When were two first elected? What did Congress do 
for education? Who was Superintendent of Education? 
19 273 



ernor, a legislature and a representative to the national 

Congress. The legislature was to be com- 
, posed of seventeen senators and forty-one 

representatives. 
After the votes had been counted, it was found that 
the Democratic nominee for governor, William D. 
Moseley, was elected over his opponent R. K. Call, 
the Whig candidate, and that David Levy, a Demo- 
crat, was returned as representative at Washington. 
The first legislature met at Tallahassee June 23, but 
adjourned the same day on account of the death of 
General Jackson. On July i two United States sena- 
tors were elected, David Levy and James D. Wescott, 
Jr., both Democrats. As Mr. Levy had previously 
been elected the representative, an election was held 
in October to fill the vacancy. So close was the vote 
that it became necessary for Congress to decide the 

contested seat. Congress gave the seat to 
1845 the Democratic candidate, Brockenbrough, 

though the Whig, Cabell, seems to have had 
a slight majority. However, Mr. Cabell became rep- 
resentative at the election held the following year, and 
continued to hold the office for several sessions of Con- 
gress. 

William D. Moseley, Governor: 1845-1849. 
During 1846 Congress offered for sale over a million 
acres of public land, on Tampa Bay, on the Withlacoo- 

Q. On what ground was it decided that the territory was 
not liable for the debt of the Union Bank? What scheme of 
repudiation was adopted when Florida became a State? 
How much was repudiated in all? What election was held 
on May 26? Give the size of the legislature. Who was the 
first governor of the new State? Who was the first represen- 
tative? Who were the first senators? 

274 



chee River, ami on the Atlantic Ocean south of Mos- 
quito Inlet. The year was also marked by a severe 
storm which left scarcely a house in Key West with a 
roof. At Key West the wreckers during 

1846 this year recovered over one million 
six hundred thousand dollars of prop- 
erty from the ships wrecked on the Florida reefs. 
This volume of business done by the wreckers 
was due to the use of charts made during the rule of 
Spain and of Great Britain, and showed the need of 
a better survey of the coast, or of a canal across the 
peninsula. 

At the October 
election the WHiigs 
succeeded in obtain- 
ing a majority in the 
legislature on joint 
ballot and were thus 
enabled to send a 
Whig senator 
1847 to Washington. 
An amendment 
to the constitution 
was adopted at this 
time to the efifect that 
the legislature should i-ov. wh.i.iam d. moselev. 1S45-1S49. 
hereafter meet biennially instead of annually. 

Thomas Brown, Governor: 1849-1853. In Oc- 
tober, 1848, Thomas Brown, a Whig, was elected to 
the governorship. A question arose concern- 
1848 ing the time from which Governor Moseley's 
term should be dated, from October, 1844, 
or 1845, or from May, 1845, the date of the first 

275 




1848 



election. At Governor Brown's request that the 
question be settled as soon as possible, the 
legislature decided that Governor Moseley's 
term of office should expire in October, 1849. The 
"Wilmot Proviso" came up at this session of the legis- 
lature, and this body decided that Florida should stand 
by the other Southern states in demanding that slavery 
be allowed south of the Missouri line. Laws were en- 
acted at this time for establishing the public schools 
provided for in the constitution. Governor Brown's 
message to the legislature complains that Florida was 
making very slow progress. 

At the meeting 
of the legislature in 
1850-51 a Supreme 
Court was es- 
1850-51 tablished, con- 
sisting of a 
chief-justice and asso- 
liBnitfinii ini V"- — £ ' J^^H ciate judges who were 
9IH^ llteitfi^^ J^^^m ^^ ^o\(\ four annual ses- 
^^^Bfl| ^^^^^K sions. The election of 

^Kr ^^^^^^^m these judges and of the 

^ ^^^^^^^^K judges of the circuit 

court was referred to 
1:he people. Senator 
Yulee* was succeeded 
at this time by Stephen 
Q. Tell of Mr. Levy's successor as representative. Men- 
tion some of the things by which the year 1846 v^^as marked. 
Why were so many ships wrecked on the Florida reefs? 
What party secured the upper hand in the legislature? What 
amendment to the constitution was adopted? Who was the 
second governor? What question arose at this time? 

* The name assumed by Senator Levy. Vulee is an anagram on Levy. 
276 




GOV. THOMAS BROWN, 1S49-53. 



R. Mallory, who afterwards l)ccanie the Confederate 
Secretary of Navy. 

James E. Broome, Governor: 1853-1857. 

1853 In 1853 Governor Brown was followed in the 
governorship by the third governor, James 

E. Broome, of Tallahassee. 

A question having arisen as to the advisa- 

1854 bilitv of retaining the capital of the State at 
Tallahassee, the matter was referred to a vote 

of the people, by whom it was decided that no change 
should be made. 

In 1848 the Indians 
in the south- 

1855 ern end of 
the peninsula 

became troublesome, 
but a short campaign 
of the State troops 
drove them back into 
their bounds. A more 
serious outbreak oc- 
curred in 1855, which 
lasted for some time, 
and which cost the 
State two hundred and 
twenty-five thousand 
dollars to quell. 

The twelfth article 




GOV. JAMES E. BROOME, 1853-57. 



Q. How was it decided? What did the legislature decide 
concerning the "Wilniot Proviso"? What did Governor 
Brown think of the State's progress? What court was es- 
tablished by the legislature of 1850-51? Name Senator Yulee's 
successor. Name the third governor. What question was 
decided in 1854? What Indian troubles occurred? 

277 



of the constitution of Florida required that all public 
improvements should be encouraged. Accordingly, 
in this year an act of the legislature authorized the 
issue of bonds to aid railroads to the amount of ten 
thovisand — later increased to sixteen thousand — dol- 
lars per mile. The State was to have a first mortgage 
lien on the property of the roads, and the governor was 
to seize and sell them for the State in case of failure 
to pay interest or principal. Under this act four mil- 
lion dollars of bonds were aftei-wards issued for the 
Florida Central and Jacksonville, Pensacola, and Mo- 
bile Railways, the bonds of these roads being taken in 

Marion Starke Per- 
ry, Governor: 1857- 
186 1. In 1857 Marion 
Starke Perry, of 
1 1857 Alachua county, 
succeeded Gov- 
ernor Broome. During 
this administration sev- 
eral railroads were begun, 
though till 1861 the only 
completed road was the 
short one from Tallahas- 
see to St. Marks. In 1861 
the line of railway run- 
ning from Fernandina to 
Cedar Keys was brought to completion. During 
1859 and i860 three other roads were graded and laid 
with irons for a part of their distance. 

Florida took a prominent part in the events of i860 
which preceded the outbreak of the war in 1861 be- 

278 




GOV. MARION S. PERRY, 1S57-61. 



tween the North and the South. At the Democratic 
convention held in Charleston in i860 her delegates 
were among the first to follow Alabama's lead in with- 
drawing, an act which was one of the great forerunners 
of the secession of the Southern States. Governor 
Perry Avas in full sympathy with the advocates of se- 
cession, and when the legislature met in November, 
i860, he recommended that Florida should withdraw 
immediately from the Union. 

Florida in i860. The census of 1830 gave Florida 
a population of 34,730, which number had by i860 

• become 140,439. The value of the real and 

i860 personal property of the State was over 
eighty millions of dollars, a large part of it 
being in slaves. Farming and cattle raising formed 
the chief industries. Florida was not yet regarded as 
a vast garden for tropical fruits. Several railroads 
were in the process of construction, and others had 
been projected. 

Since 1849 pi-^hhc education had been fostered, 
though not as much was accomplished as might have 
been. There were in i860 ninety-seven pubHc schools, 
which were attended by a little over two thousand pu- 
pils ; but the children who received instruction were 
mainly educated in private institutions, of which there 
were at this time one hundred and thirty-eight acade- 
mies and other schools, with over four thousand schol- 

Q. What did the twelfth article of the constitution require? 
What act was passed by the legislature? Give the amount 
of bonds issued under this act. Who succeeded Governor 
Brown? What can you say of railroads during his adminis- 
tration? What part did Florida take in the events preceding 
the Civil War? How was Governor Perry disposed towards 
secession? 

279 



ars. The school fund yielded in i860 a little over 
twenty-two thousand dollars. In 1853 the East Flor- 
ida Seminary opened its doors at Ocala,* and four 
years later the West Florida Seminary began work at 
Tallahassee. 

John Milton, Governor: 1861-1865. John Mil- 
ton, of Jackson county, was elected governor at the 
election of i860. Governor Milton entered on the 
duties of his ofifice in 1861 and continued to perform 
them during the trying years of the war till his death, 
April I, 1865. 



Q. State some things showing the condition of Florida in 
i860. What was the state of pubHc instruction at this time? 
of private instruction? What two seminaries had been estab- 
Hshed? Who was elected governor in i860? 

* Moved to Gainesville in iS66. 

28c 




GOV. JOHN MILTON, 1861-65. 



CHAPTER XXI, 

CIVIL WAR: SECESSION— SEIZURE OF FORTS 
AND ARSENALS— FORT PICKENS— OPERA- 
TIONS OF 1861— COAST HELD BY NORTHERN 
FORCES. 

Withdrawal of Florida from the Union. 
When the legislature of Florida assembled 
i860 at Tallahassee on the 26th of November, 
Nov. i860, Governor M. S. Perry recommended 
26 to it that a convention be called in order that 
the State might immediately sever her con- 
Dec. I nection with the other States. Accordingly, 
a call was issued December i, for a con- 
1861 vention of delegates to meet at Tallahassee 
Jan. 3 on the third day of the following January. 
At the appointed time the delegates assem- 
bled, and after an opening prayer from Bishop Rut- 
ledge, elected Colonel Petit chairman of their body. 
An address was made by Mr. Spratt, a gentleman from 
South Carolina, which had already passed an ordi- 
nance of secession, urging Florida to follow the ex- 
ample of his native State. A set of resolutions adopted 
by the senators of the Seven Cotton States that in their 
opinion their States ought to withdraw from the 
Union, was forwarded to the convention from Wash- 

Q. What recommendation did Governor Perry make? 
When and where did the convention meet? Who offered the 
opening prayer? Who presided over the convention as 
chairman? Tell of Mr. Spratt. What resolutions were for- 
warded by Senator Mallory? What was Florida declared? 
On what date? 

282 



ington by Senator Mallory. Not long after their ar- 
rival Florida was on the loth of January de- 
Jan. Glared through her delegates in convention 
lo assembled an independent and sovereign na- 
tion. The ordinance was passed by a vote of 
sixty-two to seven, many of the delegates voting for 
it, though they had been instructed to vote against 
secession. Alabama withdrew from the Union on the 
same day. Previous to this South Carolina and Mis- 
sissippi had passed an ordinance of secession. That 
Florida should presume to declare herself an inde- 
pendent nation, a territory purchased from Spain, 
costing" over forty millions of dollars for the Seminole 
War and for fortifications, with a population in i860 
of only 78,686 whites and 61,753 negro slaves with- 
out a voice in the matter, aroused the special indigna- 
tion of the north. 

YuLEE, Mallory, Hawkins. Although the State 
had withdrawn from the Union on the loth 
Jan. of January, her representatives at Washing- 
21 ton did not resign till the 21st, when the first 
senator to retire publicly from the Senate. 
Mr. Yulee from Florida, arose and delivered a speech 
of farewell, justifying his course of action. His col- 
league, Mr. Mallory, followed, also stating his rea- 
sons for withdrawing. In the House of Representa- 
tives the first man to bid that body farewell was Mr. 
Hawkins, the sole Representative from Florida. 

David Levy Yulee, originally David Levy, was born 
„ in the West Indies in 181 1, from where he 
„„^ moved to Florida. When Florida was ad- 
mitted as a State in 1845, he was her first 
representative at Washington ; but in the same year 

283 




gave up his seat to become senator, which office 
he also filled a second time, as well as 
1861 becoming a senator from Florida in the Con- 
federate Congress. After the war Mr. Yulee 
made a large fortune through the development of rail- 
roads. His death occurred in New York in 1886. 
Stephen Russell Mallory was born in Trinidad in 

181 3, whence 
1813 he moved to 
1873 Key West, 
where he stud- 
ied law and enjoyed a 
large practice. Mr. Mal- 
lory served in the United 
States Army during the 
Seminole War, was 
elected to the National 
Senate in 1851 and again 
in 1857, and refused the 
position of minister to 
Spain o fT e r e d him 
by President Buchanan. 
While in the Senate, Mr. Mallory served for a long 
period as chairman of the Senate Naval Committee ; 
and as long as the Confederacy lasted served as its 
Secretary of Navy. After his release from Fort La- 
fayette, where he was imprisoned at the end of the war, 
he returned to Pensacola, to which he had moved from 
Key West in 1858. He died at Pensacola in 1873. 

Q. Give the voting on the ordinance. What States had 
already seceded? Give some reasons why special wrath was 
aroused by the action of Florida. Who was the first senator 
at Washington to bid the senate farewell? Who was the other 
senator from Florida? Who was the representative? What 
was Mr. Yulee's original name? Give an account of his life. 

284 



Scharf, C. S. Navy. 

HON. STEPHEN R. MALLORY, 
SEC. OK NAVY, C. S. A. 



Of Florida's sole representative at Washington in 
i860, George S. Hawkins, not much can be said, ex- 
cept that he was a man of wonderful constitution, as is 
shown by his marriages, six in number. Mr. Haw- 
kins served with distinction through the Seminole 
War. 

Florida in the Confederacy. Dele- 
Jan. 18 gates had been appointed on the i8th of Janu- 
ary to' meet, in Montgomery, Ala., the dele- 
Feb. 4 gates of six other States for the purpose of 
forming with them a new government. The 
Feb. 17 convention met on the fourth day of the fol- 
lowing month. By the 17th of February 
Florida had become one of the Confederate States of 
America. 

Seizure of Forts and Arsenals. Four days be- 
fore the ordinance of secession was passed, 
1 861 the Ouincy Guards took possession of the 
Ignited States arsenal at Apalachicola with 
Jan. 7 500.000 musket cartridges, 300,000 rifle car- 
tridges, and 50,000 pounds of powder. One 
day later the State troops at St. Augustine marched 
from the Plaza to Fort Marion, which surrendered 
without resistance. In the western corner of the State, 
where the United States had been spending large sums 
on fortifications at the mouth of Pensacola 
Jan. 12 Bay, the State troops secured possession by 
the 1 2th of January of the navy yard seven 
miles down the western side of the bay from Pensa- 

Q. Where was Mr. Mallory born? Tell something of his 
life. What position did he occupy in the Confederacy? Give 
what is said of Mr. Hawkins. Why were delegates appointed 
for a convention at Montgomery, Ala.? When were the 
Confederate States formed? 

285 



cola; of Fort Barrancas below the navy yard, a place 
well able to resist an attack from the water side, and 
of Fort McRae, still further down the bay, a weak po- 
sition except as a water battery. Bvit Fort Pickens, 
on the western end of a long, narrow strip of sand 
lying before the mouth of the liarbor, known as Santa 
Rosa Island, was held by a small garrison of United 
vStates troops. Fort Pickens and Fort McRae com- 




Pl.AZA, ST. AUGUSTINK 



Cc.r. Sf. Aiisuiline. 



manded the entrance to Pensacola Bay. The former 
was a strong position, but not yet complete, although 
it had been building since 1838; in consequence of 

Q. Who seized the arsenal at Apalachicola? What am- 
munition was secured? What place surrendered on the 7th ?- 
Give the fortifications on Pensacola Bay. When did the 
State troops take possession of those on the mainland? What 
forts commanded the entrance to Pensacola Bay? In what 
condition was Fort Pickens? 

286 



which it was necessary to complete the fortifications 
by means of sand bags, especially on the side of the 
harbor, whence an attack would now come ; moreover, 
only about one-fourth of the complement of two hun- 
dred and ten gims were furnished with carriages. 
An attempt was made on the night of the 8th to take 
Barrancas by surprise, but the guards were 
Jan. 8 alert and the drawbridge up; and so the at- 
1861 tacking party of about twenty men beat a 
hasty retreat. In charge of the garrison of 




Burgert, Key West. 



FORT TAYLOR, KEY WEST. 



forty-six men at this fort was Lieutenant Adam J. 
Slemmer, who after consultation with the commander 
at the navy yard carried over his small force, aug- 
mented by thirty ordinary seamen from the yard, to 

Fort Pickens, where he would be less liable 
Jan. 10 to a surprise by land, and could command 

the harbor. On the morning of the day of 
his removal, January 10, Lieutenant Slemmer de- 
stroyed all the powder at Fort Barrancas that could 

287 



not be carried away, and also spiked the guns bearing 

on the harbor. He refused to surrender Fort Pickens 

at the demand of the officer in command of the Florida 

and Alabama troops collected at Pensacola, Colonel 

Chase, on the 12th, and again on the 15th and 18th. 

At the navy yard Commander James Armstrong 

surrendered on January 12th to Colonel Lo- 

Jan. 12 max, who secured in addition to the yard 

ordnance stores to the amount of $156,000. 




Buigeit, k','v ll'rst. 

VIEW AT FORT JEFFERSON, DRY TORTUGAS. 

The United States flag was lowered by order of Lieu- 
tenant Renshaw, and its place taken by a flag contain- 
ing thirteen alternate stripes of red and white and a 
blue field with a single white star. 

Q. When was an attempt made to surprise Barrancas? 
Why did it fail? Give Lieutenant Slemmer's reasons for re- 
tiring to Fort Pickens. How many men had he? What did 
he do? Who commanded the State troops at Pensacola? 
How often, was Lieutenant Slemmer called on to surrender? 
Give the surrender of the Navy Yard. Describe the new 
flag. What important ports did United States troops occupy? 



At Key West Captain Brannan garrisoned Fort 

Taylor for the United States on the 14th, and 
Jan. 14 four days later Major Arnold of the United 
Jan. 18 States forces occupied Fort Jefferson in the 

Tortugas, both places important as com- 
manding the Gulf of Mexico. 

Florida's Part in the War. The fate of Florida 
depended on that of the other Southern States, so that 

all the United States need do was to get pos- 
1861 session of her coast, in order to prevent the 

importation of arms and ammunition, which 
could be easily brought in through numerous bays and 
inlets well adapted for blockade-running. Although 
there were no great campaigns in the State, Florida 
freely gave her soldiers, about ten thousand, for the 
Confederate cause, and nobly and bravely did they 
uphold her honor. Cut Florida's greatest work was 
in supplying provisions, especially beef obtained from 
the vast herds of Middle and South Florida, the latter 
furnishing in 1864 as many as two thousand head of 
cattle every week. The salt with which this beef was 
salted was made at the numerous works erected on the 
coast, particidarly on the Gulf side. If there was only 
one battle of much consequence within the borders of 
the State, yet the many plundering expeditions of 
Northern soldiers kept the few Confederates busy dur- 
ing the last years of the war ; but for the present the 
eyes of the whole country were on Pensacola Bay. 

Fort Pickens. The possession of Fort Pickens 
meant the control of Pensacola Bay, which it com- 
manded ; and Pensacola Bay formed an excellent basis 
for the control of the Gulf of Mexico, a desiralile thing 
for both the North and the South. Now would have 



been the time for the Confederates to capture Fort 
Pickens, while it was ahnost without a garrison, and 
their troops in considerable numbers were 
1 86 1 gathering at Pensacola from Alabama 
and Florida ; but Colonel Chase thought it 
best to prepare for a siege and provide scal- 
Jan. ing ladders and six months' provisions. On 
29 the 29th of January Mr. Mallory effected an 
arrangement by which no reinforcements 
were to be thrown into Fort Pickens, unless it should 
be attacked ; and, on the other hand, the Con- 
Feb. 6 federates were not to attack, unless first as- 
sailed. Because of this agreement Major 
Israel Vogdes was not allowed on the sixth of Febru- 

, , ary to land the troops he had brought on the 
Mar. " 

Brooklyn, although he sent provisions to the 

fort ; nor was the ship permitted even to enter 
the harbor. On the eleventh day of March Briga- 
dier-General Braxton Bragg assumed command 
of the Confederate forces at Pensacola. Before he 
could have guns and ammunition brought easily to 
this place, the branch railroad running north had to 
be completed. The work of erecting batteries and 
strengthening forts never ceased, and soon from the 
water-battery at Fort McRae to the navy yard there 
were four and a half miles of fortifications. Nineteen 
distinct batteries were planted, all well masked from 
an enemy on the gulf or bay. 

Q. What had the United States to do in the case of 
Florida? Why? How many soldiers did Florida furnish 
for the war? What was her great work? Where was the 
beef obtained? the salt? What was the nature of the fight- 
ing in Florida? Why were all eyes on Pensacola Bay? Why 
was now the time to capture Fort Pickens? 

290 



Reinforcement of Fort Pickens. Orders from 
General Scott to reinforce Fort Pickens with Major 
Vogdes's troops having been disregarded by Lieuten- 
ant Slemmer and by Captain Adams of the Sabine, 
Lieutenant Worden was despatched from Washington 
with an order for Captain Adams to land the men at 
once. Lieutenant Worden, having committed the 
message to memory, stated on his arrival at Pensa- 
cola, April 1 1 , that he had a verbal message 
1861 for Captain Adams, whom he was permitted 
Apr. II to visit the next day. He returned on the 
evening of the same, and immediately left for 
the North, without the Confederates suspecting any- 




FORT PICKE.NS. 



thing wrong until the morning of the 13th, when it 
was discovered that Fort Pickens had been reinforced 
during the night. Lieutenant Worden did not, how- 
ever, escape, for the Confederate authorities recogniz- 

Q. What did Colonel Chase think best? What arrange- 
ment did Mr. Mallory effect? Give an instance in which it 
was kept. Who assumed command of the Confederates at 
Pensacola? What difficulty did he have first to overcome? 
Give the extent of the Confederate fortifications. Who was 
despatched with an order for the reinforcement of Fort 
Pickens? Why? 

291 



ing, though too late, that he had caused the troops to 
be landed, had him arrested at Montgomery and im- 
prisoned for six months. Three days later, 
Apr. 15 April 15, one thousand more men were added 
to the garrison of P'ort Pickens, and it was 
Apr. 17 made the headquarters of the Union forces in 
Florida, Colonel Harvey Brown command- 
May 2 ing. On the 17th the Powhatan arrived with 
orders to force an entrance into the harbor; 
but she did not do so, as the fort was unprepared to 
stand a bombardment. A heavy supply of arms and 
ammunition was landed on the second day of May. 

Union Batteries on Santa Rosa Island. To 
prevent an attack from the Confederates by way of the 
island, two batteries were erected at the distance of 
about four hundred yards from Fort Pickens, one on 
the harbor side, the other on the gulf side. About 
three fourths of a mile further Colonel "Billy" Wilson 
was encamped with a company of Zouaves, known as 
"Uncle Sam's Pet Lambs" and recruited from the 
toughest population of New York. 

Blockade. On the sixth of May a strict blockade 

was established at Pensacola, and the next day two 

vessels laden with provisions were not per- 

May 6 mitted to enter the harbor. Union vessels 

i86t closed other ports of Florida at various times 

during the year. Key West was blockaded 

Q. Tell about Lieutenant Worden's arrival and visit to 
Captain Adams. What was discovered by the Confederate 
authorities on the 13th? What was done with Lieutenant 
Worden? Mention the other reinforcements and supplies 
thrown into Fort Pickens. What did Pickens become? Tell 
about the Pou'hatan. Describe the Union batteries and camp 
on Santa Rosa Island. 

292 



on June 8, but since the city could obtain pro\asions 
only by sea the inhabitants were in danger 
June 8 of starvation, and the blockade had to be 
raised. Matters were, however, simplified 
by the expulsion in September of all Southern sym- 
pathizers. 

Dana, Forest King, Alvarado. The United 
States coast survey steamer Dana was seized at Pen- 
sacola on the 15th of January. In June the Confed- 
erate vessel Forest King was held in Key West as a 



£ ■ 


•^_J~ J^-^ 


-'^^^.•-/^^".■/■•■■V':-- 


^ **-' 


■ ' ■ r'-K;i- .^ 




-^ts^' 


Jl 




^'■if ■ 



KEV WEST. 



prize after being told by the officers of the Sabine, the 
South Carolina, and the Huntsvillc that she might enter. 
OfT Fernandma the United States warship Vincennes 
ran aground and burned the Alvarado, which had been 
the prize of the Confederate privateer Jeff Davis. 
Numerous other captures made by one side or the 
other could be related, but their very number forbids 
doing so. 

Pensacola, Naval Dock, the Judah. Ry the 
latter part of April General Bragg collected about 
seven thousand men in and around Pensacola. As one 
part of their defense the Confederates towed an im- 

293 



mense naval dock, which had cost a million and a half 
dollars, out into the channel, where it had been partly 
sunk to prevent the passage of ships ; but later they 
had raised it preparatory to moving it to a point in 
front of Fort McRae, where the channel was 
1 86 1 narrower. In the meantime, however, before 
Sept. 2 the Confederates completed the removal, on 
the night of September 2, Lieutenant Ship- 
ley and eleven men rowed silently from Fort Pickens, 
stowed combustible material in various parts of the 
structure, an-d then set fire to it, which spread so 
rapidly that they barely escaped destruction from the 
explosion of the three Columbiad shells placed in the 
boilers. 1 he next day only a few charred timbers 
floated at the mcorings of the once magni^cent do,k. 
A few days later, on the night of the 13th, about 
one hundred marines came in a cutter and 
Sept. two launches from the Ignited States flagship 
13 Colorado to the navy yard, in order to destroy 
the J ltd ah, which was lying at the wharf and 
supposed to fitting out for a privateer. They met a 
desperate resistance from the guard on board the ves- 
sel, but finally succeeded in firing her and making 
good their own escape. 

General Bragg Moves. In order to get even with 
the enemy General Bragg planned a night attack on 

„ "Billv" Wilson's camp on Santa Rosa Island. 

Oct. „. " . , , , 

. hive or six launches and two steamers were 

filled with about one thousand soldiers 

Q. Tell about the blockade at Pensacola: at Key West. 
What three vessels are mentioned as captured or destroyed? 
What more can you say of the Forest King and the Alvaradof 
How many soldiers did General Bragg have in April? Tell 
what the Confederates had done with the naval dock. 

294 



under General R. H. Anderson, and started for the 
island at lo P. M., October 8, but owing to various 
delays did not reach there until 2 o'clock the 
next morninsi-, when the troops were formed into two 
companies which were to march silently along the two 
shores and surprise the Federal camp. Although 
the report of a sentinel's gun and of the shot by which 
he was killed had given the alarm, a part of one com- 




PENSACOLA BAY IN lS5l. 

pany got into Wilson's camp unobserved ; and soon 

the flames of the burning tents indicated that 

1861 the object of the expedition had been 

effected. But the noise of the firing which 

had now become general aroused the garrison of Fort 

Pickens to the aid of their friends, who were thus en- 

Q. Tell of the destruction of the dock by Lieutenant 
Shipley. What Confederate vessel was destroyed on Sep- 
tember 13? Give an account of this destruction. What ex- 
pedition did General Bragg plan? Why? Give the size of 
the expedition to Santa Rosa Island. Tell its movements 
up to the capture of Wilson's camp. 

295 



abled to rally and in the gray dawn of the morning 
compel the Confederates to retreat to their boats. The 
deep sand and fatigue of the soldiers were greatly 
against the retiring invaders, as was also an accident 
to one of the steamers, which exposed the mass of men 
on her deck to a continuous fire from shore. General 
Anderson reported, however, that only eighteen were 
killed, thirty-nine wounded, thirty missing, most of 
whom were the guard stationed over the camp hos- 
pital, and who had not retired promptly. The other 
side reported fourteen killed, twenty-nine wounded, 




FORT BARRANCAS. 



twenty-four missing. It should be observed that 
night attacks are always dangerous, the troops being 
liable to disorder and consequent failure ; and that in 
this particular case no advantage was to be gained by 
burning Wilson's camp. 

Battle of the Forts. After this little episode the 
Union and Confederate soldiers again simply watched 
each other and waited, until watching and waiting be- 
came too wearisome for endurance ; and so 
Colonel Brown gave orders that at the firing 
of the signal-gun near the flag-stafif on the 
22nd of November the cannon of Fort Pick- 

296 



Nov. 
22 



ens should open on the fortifications of their antago- 
nists. The ships Richmond and Niagara moved up so 
as to employ their guns. On the morning of the 22nd 
firing began, the Confederates answered, and all day 

long the heavy guns and mortars pounded 
1861 away at each other, but doing little damage 

■except at Fort McRae, which had suffered se- 
verelv, especially from the guns of the warships, so se- 




RUINS OF FORT MCRAE. 



verely that it became almost incapable of defense. The 

Richmond retired early in the action, the Niagara at 

dusk, but only the Niagara returned to the fight the 

next day ; and she did almost nothing, since 

Nov. the lowness of the tide prevented her from 

23 coming within good range. The cannonade 

of the 23rd was not as rapid as that of the 

preceding day, and neither side suffered any injury be- 



Q. Whence did assistance come to the Federals? What 
obstacles were against a safe retreat for the Confederates? 
Give the loss on both sides. Why are night attacks dan- 
gerous? What advantage did General Bragg gain? What 
did both sides now do? What order did Colonel Brown 
give? What ships took part in the fight? Give the date of 
the battle. 

297 



fore late in the evening, when the Federals began to 
fire hot-shot, which soon had the villages of Warring- 
ton and Woolsey in flames, and set the navy yard on 
fire three times. At 4 o'clock the next morning 
General Bragg gave orders to silence his own guns, 
finding that the enemy no longer replied. 




VIEW OF PENSACOLA NAVY YARD. 



Silence reigned once more over Pensacola Bay until 
the first day of January, 1862, when the roar 
1862 of another bombardment ushered in the new 
Jan. I year. The firing continued to a late hour of 
the night ; but, as in the first battle, no dam- 
age was done beyond the burning of a few houses at 
the navy yard and at Woolsey. 



Q. Give an account of the firing and the damage done. 
How did the warships fare? Tell about the firing of No- 
vember 2^. How long did it continue? When was the sec- 
ond bombardment? With what effect? What did the Con- 
federate authorities decide at the beginning of 1862? What 
effect did this have on Florida? 



Fernandina Occtimki) i;v Union Troops. At 
the beginning of 1862 the (Confederate authorities de- 
cided to concentrate their forces, and, accord- 
1862 ingly, the troops in Florida were all, except 
a mere handful, sent to the fields of Ten- 
nessee, thereby leaving the fortifications along the 
coast to fall into the hands of the enemy. 
1862 The first place to be occupied by Northern 
soldiers was Fernandina and the defenses on 
Amelia Island, which were taken possession of by an 
expedition under Commodore Dupont. who 
Feb. sailed from Hilton Head, S. C, on February 
28 28. On information that the Confederates 
were evacuating- Fernandina. Commodore 
Uupont despatched Commander Drayton with the 
Paz^nicc and several light gunboats on ahead through 
the sound, to prevent destruction of property. The 
conuuander did not arrive as soon as ex- 
Mar. 4 pected. for he found Fort Clinch empty, and 
on coming in sight of Fernandina saw a 
train of cars loaded with soldiers and military stores 
endeavoring to escape over the bridge to the mainland. 
A gunboat gave chase, firing her bow gun from time 
to time, but the cars had a slight advantage in speed 
and succeeded in escaping. However, a steamer 
loaded with women and children was captured, and it 
is interesting that the captain of this Confederate 
steamer came originally from Vermont, while Com- 
mander Drayton was a native of South Carolina. 
Commodore Dupont was much surprised at the 
strength of the fortifications on xA.melia Island. If 

299 



they could have been properly defended, they would 
have withstood a very heavy attack. 

St. Augustine. The female portion of the popu- 
lation gave more trouble at St. Augustine than the 
male, as the soldiers evacuated the town, but 
Mar. the women assembled on the Plaza on the 
1 1 night of the tenth of March and cut down the 
flagstaff, so that when Commodore Rodgers 
received the surrender of St. Augustine the next day, 
he had to erect a new staff. 

Jacksonville. At midday, March 13, four gun- 
boats anchored before Jacksonville, but not 
1862 in time to save the mills, lumber, and other 
Mar. property, which the Confederates destroyed 
13 as they were leaving. A gunboat fitting out 
for a privateer was also burned. The Union 
forces found here a number of families of Northern 
sympathies, who had moved to this part of 
Mar. Florida before the war broke out, and who 
20 wer€ now emboldened to hold a meeting on 
the 20th of March, at which a set of resolu- 
tions was draughted declaring that no State had a con- 
stitutional right to separate itself from the 
Mar. Union, and that the ordinance of secession 
24 was void. On the 24th a convention was 
called to meet at Jacksonville, but it never 

Q. What place was first occupied by Northern troops? 
Tell about the expedition. What did Commander Drayton 
find? What chase is mentioned? Which won? What is 
interesting about Commander Drayton and the captain of 
the captured steamer? What can you say of the fortifications 
on Amelia Island? What did the women of St. Augustine 
do? 

300 



assembled, for an order came that Jacksonville must 
be evacuated. The Union line, it was said, was be- 
coming' too extended. There was a rumor about this 
time that the Confederates intended to make an attack 
in full force on the Federals in Jacksonville ; and, in- 
deed, I^nion pickets and stragglers from the main 
force were being constantly killed or cap- 
Apr. 9 tured. So the departure of the Federals had 
somewhat the appearance of retreat. On the 
9th of April, part of the Union troops went to Fernan- 
dina, carrying such of the inhabitants as desired ; part 
went to St. Augustine. 

Mosquito Inlet. To break up the blockade-run- 
ning at Mosquito Inlet, where vessels were 
Mar. accustomed to enter from Nassau, two gun- 
22 boats were despatched to the Inlet, reaching 
it on the 22nd of March ; and on the next day 
1862 their commanders went up the inlet on a 
tour of inspection. On their return they 
were suddenly attacked by a body of Confederates, 
both were killed, and a number of their men suffered 
the same fate or were made prisoners. 

The Confederates Abandon Pensacola. In 
February of this year Brigadier-General Samuel Jones, 

Q. What did the Confederates burn on leaving Jackson- 
ville? Give an account of the Union sympathizers. What 
did they declare in their resolutions? Why was no conven- 
tion held? What gave to the departure of the Federals an 
appearance of retreat? Where did they go? Where did the 
blockade-runners at Mosquito Inlet generally come from? 
Why were two gunboats sent there? 

301 



who had superseded General Bragg at Pensacola, re- 
ceived orders to evacuate that place at the earliest 
possible moment, moving the guns, the anmiunition, 
and all other movable public property, to points where 
they were needed, a slow work, for the railroad was in 
bad condition, and absolute secrecy was necessary to 
keep the enemy at Fort Pickens from know- 
Mch. ing what was going on. On the Blackwater 
1 1 River, Colonel Beard, aided by the citizens 
themselves, burned several mills, lumber, and 
other property, valued in all at $764,500, in order 
to prevent their falling into the hands of the Union sol- 
diers. Many of the inhabitants from this 
May 9 region, as well as from Pensacola, moved into 
the interior for greater safety. At last, just 
at midnight of the 9th of May, the evacuation was 
completed, the torch was applied to the navy yard, the 
forts, the steamers, and the public buildings in Pensa- 
cola, and soon the whole bay was bright as midday. 
The garrison at Fort Pickens began a furious cannon- 
ade, but to the serious injury of no one, though it in- 
terfered with the final operations of the Confederates, 
who succeeded, however, in carrving ofif everything, 
even bits of copper and lead. The Fulton on the stocks 
at the navy yard was burned, as also a gunboat build- 
ing in the Escambia River. 

Q. What happened to the exploring party? Who took 
the place of General Bragg? What orders did he receive? 
What made the moving difficuU? Tell what Colonel Beard 
did on the Blackwater. Where did many of the inhabitants 
go? When was the evacuation of Pensacola completed? 
What did the Confederates then do? How did the garrison 
of Fort Pickens interfere? 

302 



Admiral Porter saw the flames of Pensacola from 
the Harriet Lmic far out in the gulf, and 
1862 steered for them, reaching the harbor next 
day in time to be of assistance in conveying 
troops from Fort Pickens, and to receive the sur- 
render of Major Bobe. 

The Union forces were now practically in command 
of the entire coast-line of Florida. 



Q. What vessels did the Confederates hurn? Tell about 
Admiral Porter. What was now the situation in Florida? 

303 



CHAPTER XXII. 

CIVIL WAR, CONTINUED— ST. JOHNS BLUFF— NEGRO 
SOLDIERS— CAPTAIN DICKINSON— OLUSTEE— 
JOHN MILTON— SURRENDER. 

1862. President Davis made an effort during the 

course of this year to raise two thousand five hundred 

more troops in Florida, but did not succeed, 

1862 since the men wished to^ remain at their 
homes and defend them, if they had to do any 
fighting'. There was, however, Httle fighting of any 
consequence. About the middle of June a party of 
Federal soldiers came to Milton from Pensacola, 
which formed the first of a long series of raids through 
the western portion of the State, where in the last 
years of the war the names of Asboth and of Spur- 
ling were known and dreaded in every household. 

St. Johns Bluff. At the high, overhanging bluffs 
a few miles from the mouth of the St. Johns River the 
Confederates planted a battery of nine guns in a strong 
position, accessible only in the rear, through a ravine 
swept by artillery. Privateers once beyond this bluff 
were safe from pursuit, which made the Federals anx- 
ious to destroy the works upon it ; and, accordingly, 

Q. Why could not troops be raised by President Davis? 
What was the importance of this year's fighting? What is to 
be said of the raid to Milton? What two officers became 
especially well known through raiding? Tell about St. Johns 
Bluff. What success did the Federals have at first? 

304 



their gunboats attacked the Confederate gar- 
rison twice during the month of September, 
the month in which the bhiff had been occu- 
pied ; but were each time compehed to re- 
treat. However, on the first day of October, General 
Mitchell arrived at the mouth of the St. 
Oct. 2 Johns, where he was joined by six gunboats, 
three of which steamed up towards St. Johns 
Elufif. After exchanging a few shots with its garri- 
son, they returned. On the 2nd General 
Oct. 3 Mitchell landed a large body of soldiers at 
the mouth of the river, who had several small 
skirmishes during the day. The following morning 
they advanced on the Confederate works without meet- 
ing any opposition, as the commander. Colonel Hop- 
kins, had hurriedly abandoned everything, even leaving 
the guns loaded and the ammunition undestroyed, all 
of which the Union soldiers carried away, or rendered 
useless. A court of inquiry to investigate Colonel 
Hopkins' conduct on this occasion acquitted him of 
the charge of cowardice. After the Federals had de- 
stroyed the works on St. Johns Bluff, part of their force 
went up the St. Johns River, found Jacksonville nearly 
deserted, and far up near Enterprise Captain Yard, of 
the Darlington, captured the Confederate steamer Gov- 
ernor Milton. But the Northern army had not come 
to stay, and soon departed from the St. Johns. 

Home Guards. In accordance with the recom- 

Q. Give an account of General Mitchell's expedition. 
How had the Confederates left St. Johns Blufif? What charge 
was Colonel Hopkins acquitted of? Tell what the Federals 
did further. How long was the Northern army on the St. 
Johns? Give an account of the Home Guards. 

21 305 



mendation in Governor Milton's message to the legis- 
lature all men and boys not liable to serve in 
1863 the Confederate armies were during 1863 
armed, organized into companies, and occa- 
sionally drilled, but were not to be mustered out for 
service except in case of invasion. 

Negro Troops at Jacksonville. The inhabi- 
tants of Jacksonville were surprised to see companies 
of dark-faced soldiers marching up their 
1863 streets one day in the early part of March. 
The United States had decided to employ 
colored troops, enlisting them from the slave popula- 
tion of the South, because they were used to the cli- 
mate and familiar with the country. And so the ist 
and 2nd Regiments of South Carolina Colored Vol- 
unteers under Colonels T. W. Higginson and James 
Montgomery were stationed at Jacksonville, which 
was to be the basis of their operations. General Fine- 
gan, at this time in command of the Confederate 
troops in East and Middle Florida, called on every 
man to assist in driving" out this new invader. While 
they were gathering, he employed his own small force 
in keeping up a continual annoyance. Stragglers 
were cut off ; wood-choppers killed : pickets captured ; 
a 32-pounder cannon was mounted on a flat car hauled 
by a locomotive, by which means Lieutenant Bachman 
several times threw shot into the Federal camp, and 
escaped without injury. But it seemed as if the col- 
ored troops had come to stay, an opinion strengthened 
by the arrival of reinforcements. For a third time, 
however, Jacksonville was evacuated, Sun- 
day, March 29. A high wind was blowing, 
the houses were mostly of wood, a fine com- 
bination for a fire, which some wretches — it is said, 

306 



against the entreaties of their officers — took 
advantage of ; and soon Jacksonville was a vast sea of 
flame that left behind it the ashes of stately buildings 
and the blackened trunks of magnificent oaks. 

Pensacola Ev'ACUATED. At nearly the same time 
these events were 'occurring in Jacksonville, the gar- 
rison of the town of Pensacola was drawn ofif 

1863 as unnecessary to Fort Pickens and Fort 
Barrancas ; and here also, as in Jacksonville, 
a portion of the buildings was given to the flames. 

Captain Dickinson. The few troops that formed 
the Confederate force in Florida were from now on 
engaged in harassing the enemy and in repelling his 
foraging parties. One name most prominent in the 
numerous reports of these affairs is that of Captain J. 
J. Dickinson. Captain Dickinson was wont to appear 
in the most unexpected quarters, much to the confu- 
sion of his foes, and often he captured their entire 
number, baggage, plunder, and all. 

Destruction of Salt Works. St. Andrews Bay 
was especially suited for the location of salt works, as 
it is a broad shallow piece of water with many solitary 
bayous and inlets, where salt could be made and the 
enemy never know it. Accordingly, many establish- 
ments were erected here for the manufacture of salt 
owned bv the Confederate government and by private 
individuals. Rightly concluding that these works 

Q. What surprised the inhabitants of Jacksonville? Why 
were these colored troops in that place? What regiments 
were these? What did General Finegan do? Describe his 
method of annoyance. Why did it seem as if the troops had 
come to stay? When was Jacksonville abandoned? How 
many times had it been occupied? Tell about the fire. What 
was done at Pensacola? 

307 



were left unguarded, Acting Master William P. 
Browne of the blockading vessels at the mouth of the 
bay sent a single boat some twenty miles up that body 
of water, and destroyed Kent's works on Lake Ocala. 
Afterwards with the light-draft steamer Edwin Cressy 
he broke up the government works on West Bay, at 
which four hundred bushels of salt were produced 
daily; and destroyed one hundred and ninety-eight 
private works, and burned two hundred buildings. 
The government works were immediately rebuilt, but 
were in operation only ten days when two companies 
of Federals coming from opposite directions surprised 
the guards and again broke the kettles to pieces and 
burned the buildings. The Federals destroyed on St. 
Andrew's Bay something like three million dollars of 
Confederate property. 

Deserters. During the latter part of 1863 desert- 
ers, men who were seeking to escape conscription into 
the Confederate armies, or had run away from them, 
began to congregate in large numbers in the swamps 
and forests of Middle and Western Florida, especially 
in Taylor county. Desperate and lawless men, in 
many sections they inflicted more injuries on the de- 
fenseless inhabitants than did the Northern soldiers 
during the entire war. 

Battle of Olustee, or Ocean Pond. About the 
end of 1863 the authorities at Washington decided 

Q. Tell about the exploits of Captain Dickinson. Why 
was St. Andrew's Bay well suited for the location of salt 
works? What works were situated there? Give an account 
of Acting Master Browne's operations. How much did he 
destroy with the Edwin Cressy f Give an account of the sec- 
ond destruction of the government works. 

308 



that, in view of the defenseless condition of 
^ the State, then was an excellent time to send 

an expedition into Florida, in order to bring 
it back into the Union, which would cut ofT a large 
source of Confederate supplies, would furnish the 
North Avith cotton, timber, lumber, and turpentine, 
and would give them recruits for their colored regi- 
ments. Accordingly, early in February, 1864, twenty 
steamers and eight schooners carrying about six thous- 
and men, infantry, cavalry, and artillery, under the 

command of General Truman Seymour, ar- 
Feb. 7 rived at the St. Johns River from Hilton 

Head, S. C, and on the seventh landed the 
troops at Jacksonville, who at 3 P. M. of the next day 
set out along the railroad leading to Tallahassee. The 

company in advance surprised Colonel 
1864 McCormick at Camp Finegan early on the 

morning of the eighth. The Confederates 
themselves escaped, although everything in the camp 
fell into the hands of the Federal soldiers. Major R. 
Harrison checked the latter's advance for several 
hours at a plank bridge over Big Creek not far from 
Baldwin, a railway station eighteen miles from Jack- 
sonville. The Union cavalry rode in;tO' Sanderson 
fifteen minutes after the last Confederate had ridden 
out the opposite side of the town without waiting to 

Q. How much Confederate property was destroyed at 
St. Andrew's Bay? Tell about the deserters. Why did the 
authorities at Washington think it an excellent time to send 
an expedition to Florida? What were the objects of the ex- 
pedition? Give the size of the expedition under General 
Seymour. How soon did the troops begin marching after 
they had landed? 

309 



give battle, so that it began to appear as if the entire 
march from Jacksonville to Tallahassee was 
Feb. II to be made without a serious fight. But on 
the nth the Confederates were found in- 
trenched within a few miles of Lake City, which com- 
pelled the invaders to fall back and wait for the main 
body of the army. 

When the Northern army began its march from 
Jacksonville, General Finegan had only about five 
hundred men with which to oppose it, although 
credited by the enemy with several thousand ; but his 
force soon increased to two thousand, enabling him to 
advance to Olustee, or Ocean Pond, a small railway 
station, where he cast up intrenchments, and was 
found as stated above. However, just before the main 
force of the Federals arrived, reinforcements came 
from Charleston under Brigadier-General A. H. Col- 
quitt and Colonel G. Harrison, so that now 
P'eb. 20 the Confederates mustered four thousand six 
hundred infantry, six hundred cavalry, and 
twelve guns. On the 20th General Colquitt advanced 
beyond the intrenchments to skirmish with the ap- 
proaching enemy. Within an hour the entire army 
came up to his support, pouring in on the Union sol- 
diers such a well-directed and murderous fire that the 
Seventh New Hampshire and the Eighth United 

Q. Tell about the surprise of Colonel McConnick. Who 
checked the Federal cavalry near Baldwin? Give an account 
of their further progress. How large an army did General 
Finegan have at first? Tell about General Finegan's move- 
ments. What reinforcements arrived? On what day did 
General Colquitt advance? Describe the battle. By what 
name is this battle known? 

310 



States Colored troops broke ranks, and could 
, not be rallied again during- the fight. For 
four hours and a half the battle raged, until 
General Seymour ordered a retreat, which was exe- 
cuted in much less time than was required for the 
march from Jacksonville. On the day after the ar- 
rival at Jacksonville the majority of the troops sailed 
for South Carolina. The Confederates, on the other 
hand, won deserved praise, since with smaller num- 
bers, in an open field, they completely routed the 
superior force of the enemy. Moreover, annnunition 
failed at one time, which compelled Colonel Harrison 
to hold his men for twenty minutes under a merciless 
fire without being able to answer a shot. Their victory 
would have been more complete, if the soldiers had 
not been fatigued and cavalry not lacking; but as it 
was the Northern army lost 203 killed, 11 52 wounded, 
506 missing, while the Confederates' loss was 93 killed, 
847 wounded, 6 missing. The Confederates also cap- 
tured several cannon and sixteen hundred stand of 
small arms. Never again during the remainder of the 
war did the Federals undertake a similar expedition in 
Florida. 

Small Engagements in Different Parts of the 
State. From now on till the end of the war in the 
spring of 1865 the conflict in Plorida was a series of 
forays on the part of the Federals, of rapid marches 

Q. How long did the battle rage? Tell about the retreat. 
Why did the Confederates win especial praise? What hin- 
dered the victory from being more complete? Give the loss 
on both sides. What capture did the Confederates also make? 
Did the Federals again undertake a similar expedition? 
What was the character of the conflict during the remainder 
of the war? Tell about Major Weeks. 

311 



and ambuscades on the part of the Confederates ; but 

only a few of the deeds of either side can be mentioned. 

About the middle of July Major Weeks of the United 

States Army raided into the interior from 

1864 Cedar Keys, capturing- one hundred and 
fifty bales of cotton and burning two hun- 
dred. During the same month General Asboth made 
a rapid march north from Fort Barrancas towards 
Pollard, Ala., expecting to meet a party of raiders from 
Sherman's army ; and again in the latter part of Sep- 
tember he mounted seven hundred of his men, with 
whom he rode as far east as Marianna. A third ex- 
pedition in July was that of General Birney in consid- 
erable force westward from Jacksonville along the 
railroad as far as Baldwin. The Confederates were not 
idle, especially Captain Dickinson, who among other 
exploits overtook a band of raiders at Gainesville on 

the 17th of August, and after an engagement 
Mch. lasting two hours killed twenty-eight of them, 

1865 wounded five, and took one hundred and 
■eighty-eight prisoners. In March, 1865, tor- 

])edoes were planted by the Confederates in the St. 
Johns River several miles below Jacksonville, and by 
means of them three vessels. Maple Leaf, Hunter, and 
Harriet A. Weed were destroyed. 

Jacksonville Holds a Convention. 1864 was 

the year on which an election for the presidency of the 

United States was to be held. Accordingly, 

May on the 24th of May a convention was held in 

24 Jacksonville by friends of the Union to chose 

delegates for the National Convention at Baltimore, 

for according to these men Florida was still a part of 

the Union. One of the delegates was Buckingham 

312 



Smith, of St. Augustine, whose name should be always 
remembered by the people of Florida for the labor 
he has bestowed on the history of their State. 

Natural Bridge. About the beginning of 1865 

the Confederates began to make preparations for 

blockade-running at St. Marks, but General 

1865 Newton of the United States Army threw a 
strong garrison into that place, which de- 
feated the whole project. In the latter part of March, 
thinking that he could make an easy capture of the 
capital, General Newton started on the way to Talla- 
hassee, but the scattered Confederates hastily gathered 
and at Natural Bridge compelled him to retreat with 
heavy loss before a much inferior force. 

Florida Loses her Governor. The mental labor 
and anxiety of the last years of the war were too heavy 
a strain for the endurance of Governor Milton, whose 
death occurred on the first day of April, a month and 
a half before the Federal troops received the surrender 
of the State. John Milton was a son of the 
1807 Milton for whom Georgia cast her electoral 
1865 votes for first President of the United States. 
He was born in Jefiferson county, Ga., in 
1807, was admitted to the bar of his native State, and 
once ran for Congress on the question of nullification, 
in which he believed, but was defeated. After a resi- 
dence in Mobile and New Orleans he made his home 

Q. Give an account of General Asboth's operations. Tell 
of General Birney. Give Captain Dickinson's exploit at 
Gainesville. What success did the Confederates obtain from 
their torpedoes in St. Johns River? What convention was 
held in May at Jacksonville? What delegate is to be remem- 
bered? 

313 



in Jackson county, Florida, where he engaged in farm- 
ing, and where his wonderful conversational powers 
won him many friends. In 1861 he was the Demo- 
cratic candidate for governor, and in his canvass trav- 
eled to all parts of the State, making friends wherever 
he went. Governor INIilton cheerfully cast in his lot 
with his people, was always approachable and full of 

sympathy, and it was in laboring to alleviate 
1865 the suffering" and distress of the closing years 

of the war that he allowed himself to be over- 




Morast, Tampa. 

MANSION OF CAPT. MCNEIL, ELLENTON, FLA. 
HIDING PLACE OF J. P. BENJAMIN. 

taxed beyond his strength. After his death A. K. 
Allison, President of the State Senate, took the gov- 
ernor's seat, which he held until the r3th of July. 

Q. How were the Confederate plans for blockade-running 
defeated? Tell about General Newton's defeat at Natural 
Bridge. What caused Governor Milton's death? When? 
Give an account of his life to his removal to Florida. Where 
did he settle in Florida? What can you say of his power of 
conversation? Give an account of him as governor. 

314 



End of the War. From the 22iul to the 30th of 
April there was a cessation of hostiUties in Florida, in- 
asmuch as Johnston and Sherman had agreed 
Apr. to a truce. Not long afterwards information 
22-30 reached Florida that Johnston had laid down 
his arms, and, accordingly, under the same 
May terms he had made with Sherman, the Con- 
17 federate troops in Florida surrendered to 
General Israel V'ogdes, May 17, and were pa- 
roled. Three davs after the surrender Gcn- 
20 _, 

eral McCook issued a proclamation from 

Tallahassee declaring all the slaves in the State free. 
Flight of Confederate Authorities. After 
the fall of the Confederacy several of the authorities 
endeavored to make their way to Florida, and from 
there to foreign lands. Among those who succeeded 
in so doing were General Breckenridge, Confed- 
erate Secretary of War, and Judah P. Benjamin, Con- 
federate Secretary of State. But President Davis 
never reached Florida for he was taken prisoner in 
Georgia, before making St. Marks, to which he was 
going. His trunk, his rifle, and two boxes of private 
papers were seized near Waldo, Florida, about the mid- 
dle of June. 



Q. Who took Governor Milton's seat? For how long? 
When was there a cessation of hostilities? Why? Give an 
account of the surrender of Confederate troops in Florida. 
What proclamation was issued by General McCook? Give 
an account of the flight of some Confederate authorities. 

3IS 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

FLORIDA AFTER THE CIVIL WAR-RECONSTRUC- 
TION—IMPEACHMENTS OF GOVERNOR REED- 
PUBLIC SCHOOLS— FINANCE— RETURN OF THE 
DEMOCRATS TO POWER— ELECTION OF 1876. 

Beginning Anew. The war was ended; Florida 

was impoverished ; the State treasury was empty — 

even the principal of the school fund had been 

1865 expended — a war debt hung over the people; 
and these were not able to pay taxes. The 
new condition of affairs had demoralized labor, and 
the whole state of society was disturbed. 

In a proclamation dated April 29, 1865. President 
Johnson removed all restrictions of commerce with the 
State of Florida, and on the 13th of July appointed 
William Marvin provisional governor. Governor Mar- 
vin published an address to the people, setting forth the 
change in the condition of affairs, and urging law and 
order and obedience to the constitution of the United 
States and to Congress. October 10 he appointed as 
a day for the election of delegates to a convention to 
be held at Tallahassee on the 25th of the same month. 
This convention annulled the ordinance of secession, 
„-. declared slavery to be abolished, and repudi- 
ated the State debt contracted between Janu- 
ary 10, 1861, and October 25, 1865. 

Q. What was the condition of Florida at the end of the 
war? Whom did President Johnson appoint provisional 
governor? What did Governor Marvin urge in his address 
to the people? What was done by the convention at Talla- 
hassee? 

316 



At the election held on the 29th of November David 
S. Walker was elected governor. Only four thousand 
votes were cast against fourteen thousand three hun- 
dred and forty-seven in i860. Governor Marvin and 
Wilkinson Call, a nephew of Governor R. K. Call, were 
designated United States senators by the legislature, 
and they at once proceeded to Washington, but as 
Florida had not yet been readmitted into the Union, 
they were not permitted to take their seats in the 
Senate. 

David S. Walker, Governor: 1866-1868. Re- 
admission OF Flor- 
ida INTO THE Union. 
On the 17th 
1866 of January, 
1866, Gov- 
ernor Marvin relin- 
quished his power to 
the governor - elect, 
David S. Walker. 

Little of impor- 
tance took place dur- 
ing 1866. 
Under the 
reconstruction meas- 
ures of Congress Gen- 
eral John Pope was 
placed in April of the following year over the third 
military district, of which Florida formed a sub-di- 
vision. General Pope at once set about registering 
the voters of the State, and, having completed the 
registration in October, he ordered an election for the 
middle of November to decide whether a convention 



1867 




GOV. DAVID S. WALKER, 1866-68. 



should be held, and to elect delegates to such a con- 
vention. The convention was decided on, 
1868 and the delegates elected. These, seven- 
teen of them negroes, met at Tallahassee 
January 20, 1868. A petition had been sent to General 
Meade, Pope's successor, by the white voters oi the 
State, charging fraud in the election, inasmuch as the 
State had been so gerrymandered by General Pdpe 
that only radical blacks could be elected. But Gen- 
eral Meade had answered that what was done could 
not be undone. 

No sooner had the convention assembled than dis- 
cord at once arose over the seating of four delegates, 
and the wrangling continued till on the ist 
1868 of February fifteen members withdrew. The 
remaining twenty-one or twenty-two, claim- 
ing to be a majority, went to work to complete the 
business of the convention. Within five days they 
adopted a State constitution. They then adjourned 
as a convention, and forming themselves into a nomi- 
nating committee, named a governor, his lieutenant, 
and other high officers, mostly from their own num- 
ber. 

Immediately after their adjournment, the fifteen 
members who had withdrawn returned with nine more 
delegates, and proceeded to the House of Representa- 
tives, where they entered a protest against the action 
of the other delegates. The twenty-four then organ- 

Q. Who was elected governor in November, 1865? What 
was the number of votes cast? Why were the new senators 
not admitted to the Senate? Who was placed over the dis- 
trict to which Florida belonged? What election was held in 
November? How many negro delegates were there? What 
petition was sent to General Meade? Give his answer. 

318 



ized a new convention. The disagreement between 
the two sets of delegates reached such a pitch that 
General Meade himself came to Tallahassee and placed 
Colonel Sprague over the convention. By this means 
harmony was restored, the dispute over the four mem- 
bers was settled, and a constitution was soon agreed 
on differing little from the one in force before the war 
except in the "bill of rights" and in the articles con- 
cerning the franchise. After this the convention ad- 
journed as such, and formed itself into a nominating 
committee. Harrison Reed was named for governor, 
Williahi C. Gleason for lieutenant-governor, and C. 
M. Hamilton for member of Congress. 

Though the negroes made some objection to the 
constitution on the ground that it gave the whites too 

much liberty in voting, it was ratified by the 
1868 people in May, and the ofBcers mentioned 

above were elected. The legislature met on 
the 1st of June, and having accepted the fourteenth 
amendment to the constitution of the United States, 
secufed the readmission of Florida into the Union, 
notwithstanding the veto of President Johnson. 

On the fourth day of July the State gov- 
July 4 ernment was transferred from the military to 

the civil authorities, and the new oflficers 
were duly installed in office. 

Q. What was the behavior of rhe convention? What was 
done by the delegates who remained? After the adjournment 
of these, what was the action of the other fifteen? Why did 
General Meade come to Tallahassee? How was harmony re- 
stored? In what did the new constitution dififer from the 
old one? What ofificers were named? Why did the negroes 
oppose the constitution? 

319 



Harrison Reed, Governor: 1868-1873. Im- 
peachment. When the legislature assembled in No- 
vember, only twelve senators were present, and four 
of these were ineligible under the State's constitu- 
tion. Governor Reed called attention to this fact, and 
he also vetoed a bill to pay the expenses of the mem- 
bers of the late convention, inasmuch as they had been 
already paid. Upon this he was impeached, and 
Lieutenant-Governor Gleason was ordered to take his 
place. The governor appealed to the Supreme Court, 

which decided that he 
had not been impeach- 
ed, as there had been 
no constitutional quo- 
rum in the Senate. 
Lieutenant - Governor 
Gleason then pro- 
ceeded to Washing- 
ton to lay the case 
before the Supreme 
Court of the 
1869 United States, 
but he was 
unable to secure the 
displacement of Gov- 
ernor Reed. When 
the legislature met in January of the following year, 
it was decided after a short debate that Harrison, Reed 
was the regular governor, and he was accordingly re- 
quested to send in his message. Governor Reed ap- 
pointed Edmund C. Weeks lieutenant-governor in 
the place of Gleason. Over this dissension arose, 
which was not quieted till the election of S. T. Day 
to that ofifice. 

320 




GOV. HARRISON REED, 1868-1873. 



About a year later a second attempt was made by 
members of the House of Representatives to impeach 
Governor Reed, but the proposition was voted down. 

Public Schools : Beginning of Present System. 

Between 1849 ^"^^ i^^i some progress was made in 

estabHshing pubhc schools, but the war 

1869 brought to an end the schools that had been 
in operation. The present system of public 
instruction began in 1869 with the school law drafted 
by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, C. Thurs- 
ton Chase, after a comparison of the laws of other 
States. Though the law was at once put in force, the 
opening of schools was not as fast as expected or 
wished, owing to the reluctance of the greater part of 
the white population to accept a system introduced by 
men who had been imported from the North. Super- 
intendent Chase himself had only recently moved 
from Ohio to Florida. In consequence the negroes 
at first secured almost the entire benefit of the new 
educational system, and during the ten years following 
1869 the number of public schools increased slowly. 
The method of grading has been extensively adopted 
only since 1877. From the year 1880, but especially 
from the appointment of Superintendent A. J. Russell 
in 1884, date the fairest pages in the history of public 
education in Florida. 

Q. How did the legislature secure the readmission of 
Florida into the Union? When were the new officers in- 
stalled? Why was Governor Reed impeached? Who took 
his place? Why did the Supreme Court decide that Reed 
was not impeached? What did Gleason then do? What did 
the legislature decide in January? What further dissension 
arose? When was a second attempt made to impeach Gov- 
ernor Reed? 

22 321 



Finances. At the beginning of the period of re- 
construction in 1868 the debt of the State was very 
small ; but with the rapid issue of bonds occasioned by 
the extravagance of the "carpet-baggers", the indebt- 
edness of Florida had by 1871 reached a sum a little 
short of one and a half millions of dollars. Taxes had 
to be levied heavier each succeeding year. In 1871 
the taxes to support the State government alone 
amounted to two and a half dollars per capita 

1 87 1 of the population, which in 1870 was 187,748. 
A request was made of Governor Reed that 
during the last three months of 1871 no taxes might 
be collected in order that the people might have this 
measure of relief. The governor denied the petition, 
saying that the laws must be enforced. 

Under the act of 1855 authorizing State aid to rail- 
roads, Florida bonds to the value of four millions of 
dollars had been issued to the Florida Central and 
Jacksonville, Pensacola, and Mobile Railroads, and 
bonds of these railroads had been taken in exchange. 
When they failed in the early seventies to pay interest 
on the bonds, the holders looked to the State for pay- 
ment. She had not enough money to meet the ordi- 
nary expenses of the government. She, however, ob- 
tained possession of the roads in order to operate them 
for the benefit of the bondholders, but becoming en- 
gaged in a lawsuit over them, and the constitutionality 

Q. When does the present system of public schools begin? 
With whom? Give the cause for the slow opening of schools. 
Who received the benefit of the schools at first? After what 
year was "grading" extensively adopted? With whom does 
the advance begin? What can you say of the increase in the 
State's indebtedness in 1871? To what was this due? What 
were the State taxes in 1871? 

322 



of the bonds being called into question, she troubled 
herself no more about them, and later she omitted all 
mention of them. 

A Third Attempt to Impeach Governor Reed. 
In the House of Representatives in February, 1872, 
a motion was introduced to impeach Governor Reed 

on fourteen separate charges each relating to 
1872 bribery; or misappropriation of funds. A 

court of impeachment was formed, Governor 
Reed was placed under arrest, and Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor Day was ordered to act in his place. When the 
court dismissed the charges on the ground of lack of 
evidence. Day refused to give up his new authority, 
claiming that Governor Reed was still under arrest, 
inasmuch as the Senate had not dismissed the case. 
As he refused to refer the matter to the Supreme 
Court, the governor quietly watched his opportunity, 

and when the acting-governor was tempo- 
1872 rarily absent, stepped in, secured the great 

seal, and issued a proclamation as the regular 
governor. Day issued a counter proclamation. Gov- 
ernor Reed then applied to the Supreme Court, but 
was not sustained in his course by the majority of the 
justices. Finally "the legislature was called in May, 
and the Senate dismissing the case, he was released 
from arrest and restored to office. 

OssiA B. Hart, Governor. 1873-1874. At the 
election in 1872 Ossia B. Hart was elected to succeed 
Q. What request did Governor Reed refuse in 1871? How 
many bonds were issued to railroads? Give an account of 
the repudiation of these. How many charges were brought 
against Governor Reed? For what? Who was ordered to 
take his place? Why did Day refuse to give up his new 
authority? What then did Governor Reed do? 

323 



Governor Reed, and Marcellus L. Stearns was elected 
lieutenant-governor. Florida's representation at 
Washington was increased by the election at this time 
of a second representative. 

In 1873 for the first time during recon- 

1873 struction rule the interest on the State debt 

was paid and the government's expenses 

met. Governor Hart referred the previous deficiency 

to the dishonesty and negligence of the ofificials. 

When the legislature 
^^^, , met in 1874, it was 

found that the 
1874 Democrats had 
secured a ma- 
jority of four in the 
House, and that the 
Senate was evenly di- 
vided between t h e 
Democrats and the Re- 
publicans. At this 
session an amendment 
to the constitution was 
adopted, to wit, that 
after 1877 the legisla- 




GOV OSSIA B. HART, 1873-74. 

ture should meet every third year. 

Marcellus L. Ste/^rns, Governor 



1874-1877. 



Q. How was the matter finally settled? Who became the 
governor after Governor Reed? How many representatives 
to Congress were elected? What was done in 1873 for the 
first time under reconstruction rule? To what did Governor 
Hart refer the previous deficiency? What party had the ma- 
jority in the legislature of 1874? What amendment was 
adopted? Why did Lieutenant-Governor Stearns become 
governor? Who became United States senator in 1875? 

324 



Governor Hart dying in March, 1874, his place was 
filled by Lieutenant-Governor Stearns, who acted as 
governor for the remainder of the term. 

In 1875 Charles W. Jones was elected 

1875 United States senator by the Democratic 
legislature to take the place of the retiring 

Republican senator. 

Election of 1876: Governor George F. Drew. 
The Republican and Democratic conventions of 1876 
put forth as their respec- 
tive . candidates for the 
governorship Marcellus 
L. Stearns and George F. 
Drew. During the sum- 
mer the Republican party 
pretended to have definite 
information of lan inva- 
sion of the State by armed 
bands from Georgia and 
Alabama for the purpose 
of disturbing the election, 
thereby aiding the Demo- 
crats. But the election 
passed ofif quietly. After 
some delay the "Board", 
whose duty it was to canvass the election returns, gave 
out as the result of the first count 24,325 votes 

1876 for Stearns and 24,282 for Drew. A second 
count, in which a number of precincts in sev- 
eral counties was cast out, gave a larger Republican 
majority. Attorney-General W. A. Cocke, one of the 
three canvassers, filed a protest against the board's ac- 
tion in rejecting votes. The Supreme Court ordered a 

3-5 




GOV. MARCELLUS L. STEARNS, 1S74-77. 



recount according to the election laws. The first and 
the second recount showed a majority of one hundred 
and ninety-five for the Democratic candidate, who 
was in consequence declared governor. And he was 
installed in office without any further opposition. Two 
Democratic representatives to the national Congress 
were also elected. 

Presidential Electors: "Great Fraud of '76". 
The candidates for the presidency of the United States 
were in 1876 Samuel J. Tilden, Democrat, and Ruther- 
ford B. Hayes, Republican. The election was exceed- 
ingly close, and on the next morning each party 
claimed the success of its own candidate ; but it was 
beyond doubt that Tilden wanted only one vote of a 
majority in the electoral college, and that several 
States were doubtful, of which Florida was one. All 
the doubtful States were necessary to give the Repub- 
lican candidate a majority of one. As soon 

1876 as this became evident, numerous prominent 
Republican politicians from other States 
hastened to Florida, and it is asserted with much show 
of truth that they were able so to influence the returns 
that the "Board" gave it out as a result of the first and 
second count that the Republican electors were in the 
majority. Accordingly, Governor Stearns issued to 
these certificates of their election. Attorney-General 
Cocke protested against the action of the "Board" and 

Q. Who were candidates for the governorship in 1876? 
What trouble was expected by the RepubHcans? Give the 
result of the first two counts of the returns. What did the 
Supreme Court order? How did the recount result? To 
what party did the representatives belong? Who were the 
presidential candidates in 1876? What did each party claim? 
What was beyond doubt? 

320 



issued certificates to the four Democratic electors. At 
the order of the Supreme Court a recount of the votes 
was made, which gave to these last electors a majority 
of ninety-four. Governor Drew then issued a new set 
of certificates, which were forwarded to Washington, 
where there were now three sets from Florida. 

Aluch difBculty was experienced in finding a satis- 
factory method of counting the electoral votes, until 
Congress adopted the plan of an electoral commission 
of eight Republicans and seven Democrats, whose de- 
cision was to be final. The constant party vote of this 
commission, eight to seven, on all matters afifecting 
the choice of electors from the disputed States, gave 
the electors from Florida and the other States in dis- 
pute to the Republican candidate. Rutherford B. 
Hayes was proclaimed President of the United States. 



Q.' Who hastened to Florida? What assertion is made? 
Who gave the first two sets of certificates? What was the 
result of a recount? Who issued the third set of certificates? 
How did Congress solve the difficulty of counting the elec- 
toral votes? Give the result of the commission. Who was 
proclaimed President? 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

OPENING OF A NEW ERA— DEVELOPMENT OF 
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS— CONSTITUTION OF 
1885— GENERAL PROGRESS OF THE STATE. 



George F. Drew, Governor: 1877-1881. Demo- 
crats IN Control. The rule of the reconstruction- 

ists, or as 
1877 they are com- 
monly called, 
the "carpet-baggers", 
had weighed heavily 
on the State for eight 
.years. Too much poli- 
tics and too much 
talking for political 
effect had prevented 
anything but a slow 
return to prosperity. 
The recently emanci- 
pated slave had been 
put in power, and for 
eight years, instead 
of bettering his position through labor, he had been 
"running the government". With the installation of 
Governor Drew begins a new era, in which the re- 
sources of Florida have been developed in a truly won- 
derful manner. The control of the State government 
now came into the hands of the conservative element 
of the population represented by the Democratic party, 

328 




GOV. GEORGE F. DREW, 1877-1881. 



and this party has remained in absolute control since 
the election of Wilkinson Call in 1879 to succeed Sen- 
ator Conover in the United States Senate. However, 
there was not much headway made during Governor 
Drew's administration, owing to the still uncertain 
state of politics. Economy was the chief object of the 
administration, in order to lessen the public debt and 
to relieve the people from the burden of taxation. 
During the first year of his office Governor Drew was 
able to lower the rate of taxation by two- and a half 
mills, and in the following year to lower it still further. 
The taxable property of the State was at this time 
about thirty millions of dollars. 

During 1878 and 1879 a route was surveyed for a 
proposed canal to connect the St. Mary's River with 
the Gulf of Mexico at St. Marks or at Cedar Keys. 
It was found by this survey that there would not be 
enough water to supply the locks, for the country was 
discovered to be higher than was supposed. The pro- 
ject was in consequence given up. Other routes have 
been proposed at various times since 1879. 

William D. Bloxham, Governor: 1881-1885. 

Governor Drew was succeeded in 1881 by William D. 

Bloxham. W^ith Governor Bloxham's term 

1 88 1 of office coincides a sudden stride forward 

in the progress of the State. This begins 

more directly in 1881 with the sale of four millions 

acres of the public land to Hamilton Disston and as- 

Q. How long were the reconstructionists in power? What 
made progress slow? With whom does a new era begin? 
What element of the population came into power? Why 
was not much headway made during this administration? 
What was its chief object? How much was the rate of tax- 
ation lowered the first year? 

329 



sociates of Philadelphia. The money received from 
the sale enabled the government to carry out many 
schemes of improvement which she had before b€en 
prevented from doing on account of the lack of funds. 
Most of the Disston lands lay east of the Kissimmee. 
Another company was also formed by Disston which 

had as its object the 
draining of Lake 
Okeechobee by means 
of a canal connecting 
with the Caloosa- 
hatchie River. The 
completion of this 
canal four years later 
lowered the. level of 
the lake and rendered 
fit for cultivation two 
million acres of over- 
flowed land. About 
this period numerous 
other land and canal 
companies sprang into 
existence representing American and foreign capital. 
More corporations of this character have been ip oper- 
ation in Florida than in any other State. Much of her 
prosperity has been due to them. 

In spite of the many railroads that had been planned 

Q. Give an account of the canal route surveyed in 1878-79. 
Who succeeded Governor Drew? With what does a sudden 
advance in the State's prosperity begin? What was she en- 
abled to do? Where did the Disston lands lay? What other 
company did Disston form? What was accomplished by the 
canal? What can you say of the number of land corporations 
in Florida? 




GOV. W. D. BLOXHAM, 188I-18 



330 



there were only five hundred miles in operation in 
1882. In the next four years, however, over seven 
hundred and fifty additional miles of road were con- 
structed. Nearly eighteen hundred miles have been 
built in the ten years from 1885 to 1895, making nearly 
three thousand miles of railroad in the latter year. 

At this period the orange industry began to assume 
the importance which it has since attained among the 
industries of the State. 

Owing to the rapid advance in the wealth of Florida 
during the four years of Governor Bloxham's admin- 
istration, her taxable property was doubled 

1885 in value and in 1885 was put down as over 

sixty millions of dollars. The last message 

of the governor says: "Florida has never occupied 

the high position that she does to-day in the financial 

world she has no floating debt, and 'cash in the 

treasury to meet all legitimate expenses." 

Public Schools Under Superintendent A. J. 
Russell. When Governor Bloxham in 1884 ap- 
pointed Albert J. Russell Superintendent of Pubhc 
Instruction, the right man seems to have been selected 
to allay the old prejudice against the school system, 
to breathe throughout the State a spirit of confidence 
in public schools, to create a willingness to submit to 
taxation for the support of education, and to infuse 
into his teachers an earnest desire for excellence. The 

Q. Give an account of railroads since 1882. What indus- 
try began to assume great importance at this time. How 
was the value of the taxable property increased during Gov- 
ernor Bloxham's administration? What does the governor 
say in his message? What can you say of Superintendent 
Russell? How great was the increase in the number of 
scholars between 1884 and 1890? 

331 



number of schools rapidly increased, and the number 
of pupils was doubled in the six years from 1884 to 
1890. Superintendent Russell's last report in 1892 
gives 93.780 as the total number of school children en- 
rolled at that time. 

Teachers' institutes began with appropriations made 
by the legislature of 1883. The first State teachers' 
institute was held at DeFuniak in February, 1886, 
where it has met on several subsequent occasions. 
Two normal schools were opened in October, 1887, 
one at Tallahassee for negro teachers, the other at De 
Funiak for the instruction of white teachers. An in- 
stitution for the blind and the deaf opened its doors 
in 1884 at St. Augustine. A "Florida university" is- 
sued its only catalogue for the session of 1884-85. 
After a history dating from the legislature of 1870 the 
State Agricultural College became a reality with its 
establishment at Lake City, where the first catalogue 
was published in June, 1886. 

Among the numerous private institutions for higher 
education that have sprung into existence during the 
last fifteen years may be named the Rollins College at 
Winter Park (1885), the John B. Stetson Univer- 
sity at DeLand, which first opened as the DeLand 
University (1887), and the Florida Conference Col- 
lege at Leesburg (1887). The Jasper Normal Insti- 
tute, begun at Jas])er in the early 8o's, is one of the 
most flourishing of the educational institutions of the 
State. 

Constitution of 1885. The question of holding 

a convention for the purpose of making cer- 

tain changes in the constitution, having been 

agitated since 1878, was decided in the negative 

332 



at the election of 1880. But the need for 

such a convention becoming more apparent, a vote 

was taken in 1885, the convention was decided on, and 

the delegates elected, who met in June and 

1886 framed a constitution which was ratified by 
the people in the following year. There was 
to be no longer a lieutenant-governor. The adminis- 
trative ofificers, such as the Superintendent of Educa- 
tion, were to be elected by the people, not appointed 
by the governor as 
heretofore. State sen- 
ators were limited to 
thirty-two, and the 
representatives to six- 
ty-eight. 

Edward A. Perry, 

Governor : 1885- 

1889. Governor Blox- 

ham's s u c - 

1885 c e s s o r in 
1885 was Ed- 
ward A. Perry, a na- 
tive of Massachusetts, 
.who had settled in 
Florida before the 
civil war, and who had risen to the rank of brigadier- 
general in the Confederate service. During Governor 
Perrv's administration Florida was "on a boom''. A 




GOV. EDWARD A. PERRY, 1SS5-1SS9. 



Q. How many scholars were reported as enrolled in 1892? 
What can you say of institutions for the education of teach- 
ers? Name some other public educational institutions. Men- 
tion some private educational institutions. Give an account 
of the constitution of 1885. 

333 



1 887 



stronger tide of immigration than ever set in from the 
North, chiefly to the eastern portion of the State, where 
many winter resorts arose, magnificent hotels 
were built, and towns were established in 
rapid succession, too numerous to mention 
in the short space of a school history. The 
great Ponce de Leon hotel at St. Augustine 
was completed in 1887 at a cost of two and a half mil- 
lions of dollars. During this year alone nine new 
railroad companies were incorporated. A slight check 
to this rapid development was experienced in 1888 
when a scourge of yellow fever broke out in Tampa, 
and from there spread to Jacksonville, where it raged 




Cox, St. Augustine. 



HOTEL PONCE DE LEON. 



for several months. From this city, however, the fever 
was carried to only a few of the surrounding towns. 

Francis P. Fleming, Gover'nor: 1889- 
1889 1893. The next governor following Gov- 
ernor Perry, was Francis P. Fleming, whose 
term of ofBce expired in 1893. 

334 



A new impulse was given to the progress of Florida 

by the discovery of large beds of phosphate near 

Dunellon in Marion county during the first 

1889 years of this administration. Phosphate had 
been discovered two years before by Dr. J. 
Kost, but no notice was taken of the discovery till the 
mines at Dunellon were opened by a syndicate in 1889, 
when much excitement was created, and tracts of land 
containing phosphate were sold at speculative prices. 
Soon the majority of the counties reported mines of 
more or less richness. The export of phosphate in 
1895 amounted to five hundred thovtsand tons. 

The election of a 

United States senator 

t o succeed 

1 89 1 Senator Call 
resulted in a 
lively contest. Sena- 
tor Call himself re- 
ceived a majority of 
the votes cast on the 
joint ballot of the leg- 
islature. Governor 
Fleming, however, ap- 
pointed his successor 
on the ground that 
there had been no 
quorum in the Senate ; gov. francis p. Fleming, 1889-1893. 

Q. Mention some change made by the constitution. Who 
succeeded Governor Bloxham? What was the condition of 
Florida under his administration? Give some of the events 
of the "boom". What great hotel was completed in 1887? 
Give an account of the yellow fever in 1888. Who succeeded 
Governor Perry? What discovery was made in 1889? 

335 




but when the matter was referred to the national Sen- 
ate, Senator Call was given the seat. At the expira- 
tion of his term in 1897 another contest arose, and this 
time his successor was elected in the person of Stephen 
R. Mallory, son of the Confederate Secretary of Navy. 

Owing to an enlargement of the State's expenses the 
governor was compelled to increase the bonded debt, 
which was after this increase $1,232,500. 

The People's Party was organized at Ocala in 1892. 




Morast, Tampa. 



TAMPA BAY HOTEL. 



Henry L. Mitchell, Governor: 1893-1897. Gov- 
ernor Fleming was followed in 1893 by Henry L. 
Mitchell. William N. Sheats succeeded Su- 
1893 perintendent Russell in the superintendency 
of public instruction. The new superinten- 
dent at once introduced a new school law, according 
to which teachers' certificates were divided into six 
classes and were to be obtained only after a strict ex- 
amination. The examinations were made uniform 

Q. What effect did the discovery have? Give the amount 
of phosphate exported in 1895. Give an account of the re- 
election of Senator Call. Why was it necessary to increase 
the State's debt? To what amount? What party was organ- 
ized at Ocala in 1892? Who succeeded Governor Fleming? 
Who succeeded Superintendent Russell? What changes did 
Superintendent Sheats introduce? 

336 



over the State. Opposition was encountered at first, 
but the increase in the efficiency of the teachers de- 
monstrating the wisdom of the change from the old 
order, this opposition was soon silenced. Superinten- 
dent Sheats was reelected in 1896, at the expiration of 
his first term of office. 

December 29, 1894, was the coldest day known in 

the history of Florida, not excepting the eighth day of 

February, 1835, when the St. Johns froze 

1894 over several rods from the shore. The orange 
crop, valued at four millions of dollars, was 
almost totally destroyed, and the groves were much 
injured by the killing 
of the trees. Pineap- 
ples, bananas, and 

„ , other tropical 
1896 , . \ 

fruits also 

suffered largely. On 

the 29th of September, 

1896, a hurricane 

swept over the State, 

causing directly and 

indirectly a loss of 

over ten millions of 

dollars, 

. The election of 1896 

returned to office ex- gov. henry l. mitchell, 1S93-1S97.: 

Governor William D. Bloxham, who had once 

before served as Governor from 1881 to 1885. 




Q. How were these cl.anges received? Give the injury- 
inflicted by the cold of December 29, 1894. How great was 
the loss caused by the hurricane of 1896? 
23 337 



With the beginning of the new administration we 
have all but reached the limit to which the History of 
Florida could at present be carried, and we will then 
fittingly close with a rapid review of events from the 
days of Juan Ponce de Leon. 

Retrospect. Three hundred and eighty-five years 
have passed since the old Spanish cavalier bestowed 
the name of Florida on the land he had dis- 
1898 covered. From signifying almost the whole 
of North America Florida gradually nar- 
1763 rowed down under the encroachments of 
French and British colonists till Spain sur- 
rendered to England a Florida which lay east of the 
Perdido River and south of the thirty-first parallel of 
north latitude. For twenty years English enterprise 
brought such prosperity as Florida had 
1783 never known before and scarcely since, only 
1819 to have it perish when Spain once again be- 
1845 came owner. Nearly eighty years ago the 
1861 United States purchased the provinces of 
1881 East and West Florida. So rapidly did the 
new territory grow that in 1845 it was admit- 
ted into the Union as a State. The Civil War and 
reconstruction checked her growth, but only for a 
time. Since the beginning of Governor Bloxham's 
first administration the wealth of Florida has increased 
more than threefold, and the population has been 

Q. Who was elected governor in 1896? How long has it 
been since Ponce de Leon discovered Florida? What did 
"Florida" mean at first? When Spain surrendered it to Eng- 
land? What can you say of the prosperity under English 
rule? Give a review of Florida's history from 1783 to 1881. 
Give a review from Governor Bloxham's first administration 
to his second. 

338 



doubled. In this period nearly three thousand miles 
of railroad have been built, millions of acres of swamp 
lands have been redeemed, the cultivation of tropical 
and other fruits has made Florida almost one vast 
garden, and, finally, schools and colleges have been 
established ranking with those of any State. 



339 



IN DEX 



Abalachie '. ...15 

Achusee 25 

Ambrister, Robert 206 

Anderson, Gen. R. H 294 

Arbuthnot, Alexander 205 

Apalachicola River 137 

Negro Fort on 198, 201 

Apalachicola, Town of 224 

Armistead, General 254 

Aute 16 

Bahama Islands, Capture of... 170 

Banks 227 

Barrancas 177, 287, 256 

Barrows, Mrs 112 

Baton Rouge, Government of.. 182 

"Betsey," Capture of 151 

Bloodhounds in Seminole War.. 253 

Bloody Marsh 129 

Bloxham, Wm. D 329)337 

Blue, Major 198 

Boundary between Florida and 

United States 173 

Bowy er, Fort 196 

Bowlegs, War with 188 

Bowles, Gen. Wm. A 178 

Bragg, Gen. Braxton 290, 294 

Branch, John 270 

Broome, James E 277 

Brown, Thomas 275 

Buccaneers at St. Augustine 102 

Call, Gen. R. K 241, 269 

Callava, Don Jose M 211, 218 

Caloosa 79 

Canal 226, 329 

Carlos 61 

Caroline, Fort 36, 38, 52 

Charles Fort 34 

Chase, C. T 321. 



Chester, Peter 147 

Civil War 282 

Coacoochee, or Wild Cat.. 243, 246 
258, 260 

Constitution of 1885 332 

Convention to Frame Constitu- 
tion 318 

Coppinger, Don Jose 210 

Cuniga, Gov r 109 

Dade, Major, Massacre of 237 

Deserters in Civil War 308 

Dickinson, Capt 307 

Dominicans in Florida 27 

Drake, Sir F 69 

Drew, G. F 325, 328 

Duval, W. P 220 

East Florida 137, 164 

Eaton, J. B 269 

Election, First State 273 

Ellicott, Andrew 177 

Encroachments of English 105 

Estrada, Col 183 

Euchee Anna 224 

Fernandina , 185, 203, 299 

Finances in 1871 322 

Finegan, Gen. J 306 

Fleming, F. P 334 

Florida, before Ponce de Leon. 1 

Name S 

Extent ID 

Under Spanish Rule 175 

Negotiations for 212 

Treaty of Cession 213 

Admitted to Union 270 

Withdraws from Union 282 

In- Civil War 289 

Readmitted to Union 317 

Republic of 185 



Folch, Vincente 1761 

Fountain of Youth 2] 

Francis, Prophet 205 

French in Florida 34, 39, 

Gaines, General .239 

Galvez, Don Bernardo de...i66, 168 

Genet, Minister 176 

George, Fort 168 

Georgia 1 19, 127 

Gold to be found in warm coun- 
tries 13 

Gourgues, Dominic de 64, 68 

Grant, James 140 

"Great Fraud of '76" 326 

Hart, O. B 323 

Hawkins, G. S 285 

Hawkins, Sir John 40 

Home Guards 305 

Indians 71-94 

Jackson, Gen. Andrew 204, 216 

Jacksonville 224, 300 

Jefferson, Fort 288 

Jesup, General 241, 248 

Johnstone, George 140 

Key West 224 

Kindelan, Gov. of E. Fla 183 

.King, Col 211 

Lafayette, Grant of Land to 223 

Land Companies 329, 330 

Land Grants 214 

Laudonniere, Rene de 36,53 

Louisiana Purchase 181 

Luna, Tristan de 28-32 

Macomb, Gen 252 

Malee 206 

Mallory, S. R 283 

Marianna 224 

Marion, Fort 99-102 

Marvin, Wm 316 

Masot, Don Jose 210 

Matanzas 55-57 

Maurique, M. G 183 

McGillivray, A 155 



McRae, Fort 286, 297 

Meade, Gen 318 

Menendez de Aviles, P.. .44, 51, 59 
63,68 

Milton, John 280, 313 

Missions 95, 97, 98 

Mitchell, H. L 336 

Mobile District 182, 184 

Monteano, Gov 127, 130 

Monticello 224 

Moore, Gov., Invades Florida.. 107 
no 

Moosa, Fort 123 

Moseley, W. D 274 

Moultrie, Gov 150 

Narvaez, Panfilo de 13 

Natural Bridge, Battle at 313 

Navy Yard at Pensacola 288 

New Smyrna 143, 152 

Oglethorpe, Gen. Jas. . .119, 127, 130 

Okeechobee, Battle of 247 

"Old Rory" 158 

Olustee 308 

O'Niel, Arthur 176 

Ortiz, Juan 20 

Osceola 233, 245 

Palatka 224 

Panton, Wm 153, 174 

Payne, King 188 

Pensacola 102, 114, 132, 133, 141 

146, 195, 197, 301, 307 

Pensacola, ship 177 

People's Party 336 

Perdido River 103 

Perry, E. A 333 

Perry, M. S 278 

Phosphate discovered 335 

Pickens, Fort 289, 291, 296 

Ponce de Leon, Juan... 3,5,8 

Pope, Gen. J 317 

Quesada, Gov. of E. Fla 180 

Red Sticks 193 

Reed, Harrison 320, 323 

Reed, Robert R 270 

Representative Government 149, 162 



Revolutionary War 151 

Ribaut, Jean 34. 43. 54. S8 

Rogel, Father 97 

Russell, A. J 331 

St. Augustine 60, 62, 69, loi, 120 

133. 136, 187, 300 

St. Johns Bluff 304 

St. Johns River 34 

St. Josephs 113. 224 

St. Marks 113 

St. Maxent, Don F. M 183 

Salt Works Destroyed 307 

San Carlos 103, 117, 208 

San Mateo 53 

Schools 279, 321, 331 

Scott, Gen. W. S 240 

Secession, Convention for 282 

Seminoles 74. 229, 235 

Seminole War, First 204 

Second 235, 264 

Sheats, Wm. N 336 

Social Life in Territory 226 

Soto, Hernando de 19, 23, 26 

South Carolina 105, 106, in 

Stearns, M. L 324 



Tallahassee .222 

Taylor, Fort 289 

Taylor, Gen. Z 247, 251 

Tecumseh 191 

Thompson, Gen., Murder of.... 236 

Tonyn, Patrick 150 

"Twelve-mile Swamp" 188 

Vidal Affair. , 217 

Villafane, Angel de 32 

Voyages on Gulf Coast 8 

on Atlantic Coast 8 

Walker, David S 317 

Weatherford 193 

West Florida.. 137, 165, 169, 183, 207 
210, 2l6 

West Florida, Republic of 183 

White, Enrique 176, 183 

Withlacoochee, Battle of 239 

Worth, General 257 

Yemassees in Florida 112 

Yulee (Levy), David 274, 283 

Zuniga, M 183 



L- <<" 



^^ 



Deacldifled using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing Agerii: Magnesium Oxiae 
Treatment Date: 

JUL 1398 
BBRKEEPER 

PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGIES. L.P. 
/ ,- . 1 1 1 Thomson Park Di ive 

AJ .^ Cranberry Township. PA 16066 

(724)779-2111 




